Perhaps it is confusion between understanding the knowledge they are viewing as what the average horse owner should be applying in their everyday horse-human relationship. Is it a misconception that the horse owner believes that they are viewing information that is directed toward a more formal education in the formalities of showing or being a professional rider.
For me the Horse-Human Relationship is the study of behavior of both horse and rider- Each consists of preprogrammed DNA and other behaviors that are the result of learning from environmental experiences throughout their lives. In my opinion any horse owner should have a thorough understanding of the mechanics, emotions, awareness levels and skill capabilities of both individuals, the horse and human. As well as, how the horse and rider affect each other. Their effects on one another need to be taken into consideration as major dynamics of the relationship. The link between mental state of mind and behavior has become much better understood, and a whole technology of behavior shaping has been discovered through relationships with horses. This equine assisted learning or EAL, employs horses in the work of human development and giving humans the opportunity to recognize and make changes in the moment affording them a healthier life.
Anyone who knows horses can not deny that they have a full range of feelings, attitudes, preferences and personalities. Horses display their intelligence, logic, and intuition in many ways that we as humans don't recognize because we speak a different language.
Just like us, horses feel fear, anger, grief, relaxation, happiness and affection. They play, fight and communicate in relationships, which share many of the same dynamics of our own: Trust
Respect
Boundaries
Mutual Support
Affection
Playfulness
Far more than most people realize, horses are social, emotional animals. Horses react rather than respond. Just like us, horses are motivated to seek relief from pain, fear and emotional pressure. They seek creative solutions to get their needs met, and like us, if they cannot find successful solutions they will express that pain outwardly. Horses too, can experience depression, anxiety attacks, attachment disorders, behavioral issues, post traumatic stress, learned helplessness and emotional shutdown.
They can also demonstrate and teach such healthy behaviors as honest communication, trust, healthy boundaries, leadership, patience, assertiveness, playfulness, affection and nurturance. To be trusted by a horse, you must be trustworthy. To be respected by a horse, you must first give respect.
As prey animals, horses are brilliant observers of nonverbal communication, and like humans react negatively to disrespect, impatience and lack of self-control. Even our most deeply hidden emotions are easily detected by horses and responded to accordingly.
Equine learning can provide an opportunity to learn self-discipline and the ability to manage our emotions and responses. Simply stated, anxiety and anger don't work with horses and a person interacting with them will be required to manage their emotions to keep the horse from withdrawing.
Remember horses are animals. They are not automatic; you cannot turn them on and off at will like a machine. A relationship with a horse requires the human to develop communication, patience, boundaries, and most of all, respect. Through learning to treat a horse with respect - to be assertive without aggression, patient without giving in - the horse gives cooperation that cannot be gained through intimidation or force, impatience, or lack of control. A relationship with a horse cannot be forced or faked. The lesson learned by the human is that by taking responsibility and making new choices, the horse responds differently. As with anything, what we put into it determines what we get out of it; relationships take effort, communication, mutual respect and time to grow.
Horses are partners in learning and emotional growth. Horse owners develop greater self-esteem, confidence, responsibility, ability to plan, teamwork, empathy and a deeper understanding of themselves, their relationships, and their world. The joy, confidence, and infectious sense of accomplishment the horse owner gains by sharing power and developing a partnership with a 1000 pound animal is a tremendous boost to the human's self-esteem. These same skills have the added bonus of being "life skills" readily transferable to our humans' lives outside the barn such as home, classroom, office, and relationships. They are positive behaviors that are not only taught but experienced through learning with the horses.