fbpx

In this introductory video for the Genius Equestrian Website and that of her recent Tedx talk on the link below, Cathy Sugden, also known as The Horseback Heroine explores what it means to be wholehearted in our horsemanship. It comes from being aware of our conscious mind and being present with our horses whilst understanding and knowing that there are mutual responsibilities in any relationship. We have a responsibility to understand what is important to each of our individual horses. What are their likes and dislikes and what causes them to be fearful. And whilst accepting the horse’s dislikes, trying to help them overcome that without using force or intimidation.

 

After a life changing event where Cathy Sugden chased robbers on horseback thanks to her trust and understanding of her horse, Mr Smiffy, Cathy has become known as The Horseback Heroine.  Cathy successfully teaches her years of experience to those at their wits end with their horses, when the natural way is so often seen as a last resort

Cathy’s story is unusual in more ways than at first might seem…Take the course of events that caused Cathy and Mr Smiffy to be chasing Post Office robbers at high speed as they made their getaway across the open corn fields at the back of their smallholding on the Romney Marsh, and ask yourself the question Would I do that?’

Most would love to think that they would do exactly the same.  On second thoughts, if we consider what 90% of horseback riders would do if they found themselves in the same situation as Cathy, we find a whole different set of questions come to the fore of our minds ‘Will my horse go? Will he stop when I want him to? Will he buck, bolt or spook?’ If this same event had happened over a decade ago Cathy says that she too would have had the same thoughts.

 

 

The darkest hour is before the dawn and so it was with me.

Why is it then, that for so many of us, Natural Horsemanship is viewed as a last resort, rather than a first port of call?

I will always be thankful for the day that I stumbled across a demonstration of Natural Horsemanship, quite by chance at an Equine Expo at Sandown Racecourse.

I watched the girl move her horse around the arena like magic while I heard the speaker ask us, ‘Who would like to learn the secrets to this invisible bond that can be created between Horse and Human’? And do you know? As hard as I looked, I just couldn’t see HOW she was communicating with her horse.  Bearing in mind, that at that time, I was a B.H.S.I.I who taught and examined regularly for the local branch of The Pony Club and yet I felt here was this great void gaping in front of me

It took me two years to park all those outdated beliefs and get rid of all the gadgets and iron from my horses mouths.  It still amazes me today how much ironmongery I used to have in my tackroom and I’d invite you to look in your tackroom too and ask yourself how ‘Natural’ your equipment looks.

Gradually I learned to put the RELATIONSHIP above everything else.  Then eventually I started to take this little chestnut guy out in public and compete with others.  Only I had no bridle.  Just a soft halter.  And little by little, we were able to show others what can be achieved when you put the relationship above everything else.

People started asking me questions, like ‘How does he know where you want him to go?’ and ‘How do you get his head up when he’s eating?’  ‘How can you stop him in that?’  One time, a lady came up to me and showed me that her horse’s mouth was bleeding from where she’d pulled at it around the cross country country course and she was mortified that she’d done that to her horse and was impressed that I was just in a halter.  I can read him like a book and understand his emotional needs. I put HIS needs above my own, which in turn is so much more pleasurable for both of us.  We can do so much more together and in complete safety…even chase post office robbers across the fields behind us!!

Find out more about Cathy by viewing her recent Tedx Talk on the enclosed link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uM9NA… and Stay connected with Cathy via her website https://www.thehorsebackheroine.co.uk

 

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.

You have Successfully Subscribed!