EQUINE SERVICES / PROGRAMS:
Way of the Horse
Camp Program

There is a whole world of horses that has nothing to do with the human activity of riding horses. Nearly 100% of camps with activities involving horses only teach riding skills and equine maintenance (mucking stalls, grooming, saddling and feeding). The real or natural world of the horse is one based on relationships. These relationships hold the herd together and assure its survival. At the core of these inter-herd associations are mutual feelings of trust, respect, confidence in the leader and a connectedness that is always present between all the members of the group. There are no feelings of separation at any time. It has become apparent to me, as an equine professional for nearly 40 years, that teaching equine relationship and communication skills assure successful outcomes with the interactions between horses and humans. These are the same skills that are required for successful relationships in all areas of human endeavor.

I have developed 'Way of the Horse' camp program to assist camps and similar operations, in teaching the life enriching skills of success with horses. First and foremost is an attitude of compassion and kindness for the horse. Horses are not mean, vicious or devious. They react to fear. All behavior that looks like aggression is fear based. Through the attitudes of kindness and compassion, humans can develop the desire to help the horse feel that it can trust it is safe. Being a prey animal feelings of safety are paramount for the horse. Once these feelings become instilled in the horse it wants to join always with the human and will respond favorably to any and all requests made appropriately.

The process involved to develop this type of high level relationship with equines is simple. In fact, it is the same process humans use to develop great relationships with each other. Bottom line is the attitude of compassion and kindness always, no matter what. Next comes knowledge of equine behavior in the wild. How horses think, what their emotional and psychological make-up and needs are become very relevant. The language of the horse contains a multitude of nuances of body language, posturing, sounds and movement. There is an intuitive element within the language of the horse that is very prevalent all the time. Horses look for their consistent leader every moment. It is incumbent upon humans to take on the role of that leader whenever they are with the horse. When the leader is not present (confused, unsure, timid or unconscious) with the horse, the animal fends for itself in order to survive and this is the right thing for the horse to do. Thus, behavior that looks like stubbornness, willfulness and aggression is really the horse deciding it better take care of itself as no one is around to lead or guide it to the safety it needs desperately to feel.

'Way of the Horse Camp Program' teaches lessons not only in equine behavior and language, but more importantly, human lessons in; kindness, compassion, leadership, self-esteem, confidence, great communication, being a team player, use and understanding of intuition, self-awareness, presence, the ability to focus, right perception and a host of additional qualities that we humans value highly. Its a little like teaching great parenting skills to youngsters. Also near the top of the list are lessons in 'forgiveness'. The horse forgives honest mistakes and holds no grudge once the human comes back to kindness and compassion.

Successful relationship with horses is assured once these concepts are embraced and learned. From that point is where riding the horse should begin. 'Way of the Horse Camp Program' teaches centered, balanced and conscious riding techniques that have at their core the successful relationship with the horse. This wonderful relationship begins on the ground and then is transferred to in the saddle for a totally successful and life enriching experience for all involved, including the horse. Won't you please consider 'Way of the Horse Camp Program' as part of your equine activities program for your camp. The natural world of the horse is full of life enriching lessons for humans. All that is required is a willingness to embrace the principles of kindness and compassion and a desire to learn the true nature of horses.

Franklin Levinson is based at a Colorado ranch and at his ranch on Maui. He travels throughout the country to teach and train horses. He is available to come to your facility to set up 'Way of the Horse Camp Program' and is easily reached at either number below.

Franklin Levinson
(808) 572-6211 Maui
(970) 927-1221 Colorado
franklin@wayofthehorse.org