| HORSE OWNERS |
| Abrazos Adventure located in eastern New Mexico just outside Portales serves the surrounding area including Clovis, Cannon AFB and outlying communities. It is easily accessible from some west Texas towns. This horseback riding barn now has several years experience in successfully working with individuals wanting to compete with their horses or just make the relationship better. This recreational activity works well for children, adults and families. Wendy Toombs owner/instructor 575.607.7344 Owning a horse is an experience unlike any other. Because the horse is such a large, independent thinker, owners can get into trouble as far as who is in charge in the relationship. It works much better if the human is and provides 'leadership' rather than coming at the horse as a 'boss'. We incorporate horse behavior information into each lesson and encourage the owner to 'listen' to what his/her horse is saying. Horses speak through body language AND we are speaking to them the same way whether or not we realize it. The relationship is built on our ability to communicate with the horse. If the communication is correct the human will ultimately be in control. If communication breaks down and the horse cannot look to you for leadership, the relationship will deteriorate or completely fail. Everyone comes at this experience from a different point of view. Some people really love the horse but don't ever want to get on, they enjoy it more as a companion animal. There is a lot that can be done on the ground and a person can have a satisfying experience. Others want to ride just for the sheer pleasure of being on the back of a horse. The show or rodeo ring beckons others who enjoy competition. I believe, in every instance, there must be basic standards of behavior in place (you the human are in charge of that) so the horse understands its role in the relationship. You are responsible to make sure the standards are set every time you interact with the horse so it can learn. |
