Farriers

I have known Tom Broadbridge Dip WCF for a number of years, both as a friend and a sucessful, forward thinking farrier ( Equus farrriery - 07966756780- Devon ). He had always expressed an interest in my work with challenging horses, so I was happy to recieve a call from him asking about Natural Horsemanship techniques, and how he can apply them to his work.

I invited him to come and work with my horses and a date was made (October 07).

The weather was not looking good when Tom arrived for his session but we decided rain or shine to carry on.

On the way to the yard, we talked about the relationship between the human and equine, or as horses see it predator or prey! I elaborated on how horses communicate with us all the time, but unless we observe and listen we don't really hear what they are saying.

I thought Mason, a 11 yr old 15.2 cob x gelding would make a good horse for Tom to practice on. Mason's history was chequered, I knew he had show jumped in his past and that he had been brought at an auction by someone who had felt sorry for him. He was a gentle soul who only wanted to please, but was emotional and would slip into flight mode if the pressure was too great.

As the morning progressed the heavy rain started, Tom was discovering that communication with these fine beasts could be "so subtle" and that sometimes less brings more. He was learning that horses are masters of body language and psychology, and these skills have led to their survival over many centuries.

We were all thoroughly soaked but happy. Tom had discovered another meaning to the word Horsemanship.

His greatest asset was his open mindedness and his ability to reflect on known practice. Tom went home filled with new ideas and a small insight in what the equine/human relationship could be like.

I know that his clients will only benefit from these new skills, it will make a difficult job easier and less stressfull.

Tom wants to come back - watch this space!