Blog Layout

10 Things Your Horse Wants You To Know..

Ross Cooper • Apr 12, 2023

10 Things Your Horse Wants You To Know..

1)
I am not a human.
I think differently to humans, but people forget this.

2)
I am willing to learn.
I like to learn, but first please learn how I think to help me learn in the best way.

3)
I get frightened easily.
It is in my nature to run away from new and scary things, help to build my confidence in the world.

4)
I communicate with actions.
My behaviour is information, it is the only way I can speak to you. Sometimes you won’t listen, and don’t hear me. Learn what it is that I say from the right people.

5)
I do not try to hurt people.
I do not want to hurt people. Yes I am big, but I am unprepared for the situations people put me in, which make me feel and react the way that I do.

6)
I don’t need employment.
I don’t need to have a ‘job’. I don’t have to be ridden, but I do enjoy enrichment that gets my mind active and my body moving.

7)
I can carry you.
I can carry you on my back, but first help me build up the muscles I need to be able to do this.

8)
I like to be with friends.
I am a social animal, I need to be surrounded by friends and thrive when I do so. No one likes to be alone, not even you.

9)
I have little choices.
If I was here by choice, would I stay? Please give me choices and make them easy to say yes to.

10)
I will grow old.
When I grow old, remember I have given my best years to you. When I am old, it does not mean I have no purpose. Please look after me until it is my time to leave.

By Ross Cooper 16 Jan, 2024
Do You Know When NOT To Ride?
By Ross Cooper 01 Oct, 2023
The September edition of Horsemanship Journal features Badger's first cover photo, and one of my favourite images to date! This latest issue features more on the Unbridled Connection Retreat, the pro's and con's of rugging, and my latest article 'The Zim Diaries', talking about the convergence of conservation and horsemanship.
By Ross Cooper 02 Jul, 2023
The only man I envy is the man who has not yet been to Africa, for he has so much to look forward to.” - Richard Mullin So, after two years in the planning, we finally made it to Zimbabwe to partake in an equine and wildlife conservation project! Two years ago in the midst of the pandemic, I wanted to organise something special for a group of my clients and those interested in working with me after an unsettling few years; a little something to look forward to where we could make a difference; this combines my passions of horsemanship, conservation and wildlife all in one! For the week we had planned a personalised itinerary where I would be facilitating daily clinics and workshops with the bush horses as part of the project; aside from this, we will be getting hands on with important aspects of conservation including assisting with their Black Rhino and Elephant conservation programme on the reserve! Now I am back, the time spent in Zimbabwe was such an incredible experience, how could it not of been! I would class myself as very fortunate to visit a country like Africa again, especially after so much uncertainty over the pandemic, though most of all, to be able to share how special Africa is with such an awesome group of people who wanted to join me there, for horsemanship and conservation. We really could not of asked for better company, so thank you to all who came along! Throughout this blog, you will find snippets from my journal, social media and aspects of what we all got up to working with the bush horses in Zimbabwe, from teaching the early morning clinics and the accessibility of training, to how horses benefit game management conservancies. As the week heavily focused around conservation, I will naturally be including some of the conservation roles we got involved in to help raise awareness of the trails and tribulations the natural world still continues to face. Happy reading y'all!
By Ross Cooper 06 Apr, 2023
When I Can Hear You From Madeira...
By Ross Cooper 02 Apr, 2023
Results; does it matter how you get them?
By Ross Cooper 30 Mar, 2023
Located in the North Atlantic is a small cluster of Islands, with the largest of the sleepy Islands known as Madeira. Madeira, with it's capital of Funchal, is a beautiful volcanic island belonging to Portugal since it's discovery in the 1400's. With it's warm climate year round, sometimes known as the 'Island of eternal Spring', it seemed like the perfect escape for a few days in March!
By Ross Cooper 23 Mar, 2023
Grab your snowshoes and sunglasses, you’ll need them both in Iceland! Iceland had been on the wanderlust list for some time, always seeming like one of those places that belongs on a far-away planet than a short plane ride away. So, instead of ‘lusting, I booked a weekend trip for my girlfriend and myself, for our first trip of the year! Let's see how we got on!
By Ross Cooper 08 Sep, 2022
What are the Benefits of Equine Bodywork?
By Ross Cooper 26 Jul, 2022
Ross provides some key ways to help your horse in the heat this Summer!
By Ross Cooper 26 Jul, 2022
How palatable was that last drink?
More Posts
Share by: