Natural horsemanship
Horse Whisperers don't actually whisper, but they try to think like a horse in order to improve communication with the animal, who then becomes a partner and willingly works for his leader.
Natural horsemanship is developed from observing the behaviour and interaction between horses in a herd. The horse is a prey animal and derives security from its herd. Their natural reactions to danger or the unknown are to run away and so the trainer must instill confidence in the horse. The purpose of natural horsemanship is for the human to impersonate the natural herd leader so that the horse will follow him confidently and without question.
It is during the starting process for young horses that this method is more easily demonstrated, but it can also be used to help "difficult" horses which struggle with more traditional handling and riding methods. Many of these new natural horsemanship masters were once traditional cowboys who have chosen to abandon the more traditional methods which could be quite brutal. The best known whisperers are the Americans Monty Roberts, Buck Brannaman and Pat Parelli.
Many US ranches have adopted natural horsemanship techniques and are happy to pass their skills and knowledge onto their guests. For example, Rocking Z ranch in Montana are advocates of Parelli horsemanship and all of their horses are responsive and light to ride.
It is during the starting process for young horses that this method is more easily demonstrated, but it can also be used to help "difficult" horses which struggle with more traditional handling and riding methods. Many of these new natural horsemanship masters were once traditional cowboys who have chosen to abandon the more traditional methods which could be quite brutal. The best known whisperers are the Americans Monty Roberts, Buck Brannaman and Pat Parelli.
Many US ranches have adopted natural horsemanship techniques and are happy to pass their skills and knowledge onto their guests. For example, Rocking Z ranch in Montana are advocates of Parelli horsemanship and all of their horses are responsive and light to ride.