On the right track!

It has been nearly twenty years since I first encountered Natural Horsemanship and the concept of working with horses in a different way. The catalyst for me to look beyond the conventional lessons that were offered at that time was a pony named Bono. 

For several years, I had been purchasing horses and ponies that were deemed unfit and were destined for slaughter at the horse market in Utrecht. I wanted to make a change, even if it was just for one horse (or pony). 

On an early Monday morning, I went to the market with a friend once again. When all the horses are sold, there are always some that are left behind to be purchased by slaughterhouses. These horses are often transported to Belgium or France. Among the trotters, old horses with sagging backs, and visibly sick horses stood a Haflinger stallion. He was covered in mud, had dreadlocks in his mane and tail, and appeared restless, looking around. 

I was ridiculed for my interest in him. “He wouldn’t be there for nothing,” they said. I took the chance and bought him. I had him examined by a veterinarian at home, and he was found to be healthy! 

I was twenty years old, and my love for horses and my courage outweighed my knowledge at that time. After a period of acclimatization, I began the process of training him. He was estimated to be around four years old and clearly had received little care and training. 

The acclimatization phase of the training went smoothly and well. He accepted the rider and the saddle easily. However, the riding phase proved to be more challenging. He behaved like an old man! Soon, it was thought that he might not be healthy. He was so lethargic that he seemed almost depressed! After consulting a veterinarian at the Utrecht clinic, they could not determine the issue. 

Through various channels, I heard about a holistic veterinarian, Eric Laarakker. I loaded Bono up and went for a visit. There, I learned for the first time that he was indeed depressed due to the many changes he had experienced in his young years, which he found difficult to process. Relocation, castration, and training had all become a bit too much for him, and he had withdrawn. 

This situation made me aware that I knew very little about horses, and I was eager to educate myself further. I found a holistic training program in Belgium, the ISPH, and enrolled. A whole new world opened up for me. I owe my foundation to Marion Robesin, the founder of the ISPH, from whom I learned to look at and listen to the horses! 

At that time, I had a successful driving school and pursued the training for my own development. Initially, I did not intend to make it my profession. How differently things can turn out! 

However, after completing the program, I realized that I wanted to learn more about training, particularly regarding horses with movement issues. Twenty to fifteen years ago, the relationship between training and physical problems was still relatively unknown. Antoine de Both was among the first to establish the link between physical issues and training. This sparked my quest to improve movement problems through training, supported by treatment. After Bono, many more horses received a second chance, contributing to my learning process. These included horses with serious behavioral issues or significant movement problems that had been written off or deemed unfit. Can training still help these horses? 

Meanwhile, I confidently answer yes! In most cases. If a condition is degenerative and irreversible, then stabilizing and reducing pain from overexertion to maintain quality of life may be the highest achievable goal. If quality of life is compromised, one must also take responsibility. 

However, if you intervene before the wear process has taken its toll, significant improvement is often still possible. 

Over the years, I have helped hundreds of horses (and their riders) to move forward together on a better path. Thankfully, Natural Horsemanship and the relationship between training and movement issues are no longer unique or extraordinary. More and more people are becoming aware of the connection and the impact of training on the horse’s movement quality. An increasing number of instructors are teaching based on Natural Horsemanship, biomechanics, classical, or academic riding techniques. This is a remarkable development! 

I owe my development to the pioneers and the horses that needed a second chance. I have now been working as a trainer and instructor specializing in Natural Horsemanship and Classical/Academic Riding for thirty years. I cannot imagine a more fulfilling profession!