If you study horse training from more than one circle of thought, you’ve probably encountered the word “correct.” Circles of thought collide when views of “correct” contradict each other and when one circle of thought is imposed on all.

Let’s take a look…

Correct or Absolute Correct

By Jennifer Klitzke

Over thirty-six years I’ve been devouring humane horse training methods—predominantly dressage as a form of communication and training with my non-gaited and naturally gaited horses. Even within dressage, there are colliding circles of thought regarding what is “correct.”

I have studied from many circles of thought that encompass my riding paradigm. Among these circles of thought are German dressage, French dressage, competition dressage, classical dressage, natural horsemanship, rail class, biomechanics of riding, holistic views, horse care, natural hoof trimming, cross country, stadium jumping, endurance, trail riding, obstacles, and cow sorting. Between each circle of thought are similarities and often sharp contrasts of “correct.”

Is one circle of thought “correct” for all riders and horses? I don’t think so. I am leery of anyone imposing their view of “correct” upon all.

What is correct within one circle of thought is wonderful. It provides a great guide to learn a particular horse training method. However, correct over all circles of thought is absolute, not open to learning, growing, improving upon, or finding more options.

One way, not the only way

It would be like saying, “To be correct, you need to adopt a jockey’s style of riding and training even though racing isn’t your gig.” Or, “To be correct, you need to apply bronk-style riding and training when you have no intentions of teaching your horse to buck or join the rodeo.” Of course, these ideas are ridiculous, but what if someone says, “All gaited horses must be ridden in a curb bit with contact to gait correctly?” Many gaited horse riders believe this. It is one way, not the only way.

Humane training is one way

Within many circles of thought, I embrace what I believe is humane training with respect for the horse. This means no harsh or dominating methods of training. No gadgets such as draw reins. No artificial enhancements to create excessive movement such as weighted shoes or caustic substances applied to the horse. No harsh bits such as long shanks or twisted wire snaffles. No tight nosebands, crank nosebands, or flash nosebands to force a quiet mouth. None of these harsh methods are part of my riding paradigm, yet I won’t impose my methods of training naturally gaited horses on anyone. I simply share my experiences for your consideration.

Most importantly, my horse training paradigm is still evolving as I learn new circles of thought. What works for one of my horses may not work for another. Teaching a green or newly started gaited horse under saddle will be different than how I ride a well-established smooth gaiting horse. Therefore, I love considering the hows and whys of different circles of thought. This adds tools to my horse training toolbox.

Correct over all?

When one circle of thought deems “correct” for all is when circles of thought collide and divide.

“Correct” raises one above the others. “Correct” drives wedges between circles of thought and people. If each circle of thought is “correct,” which “correct” is the correct “correct”? That’s the problem with absolutes.

There are benefits to learn and apply one circle of thought before considering others. My dressage journey began over 36 years ago. I studied from one local German dressage instructor for 12 years. As I read books, watched videos, and attended clinics by other dressage experts, it quickly became apparent that there are differences of “correct” even within dressage. Having a consistent foundation with one instructor was helpful. This gave me a baseline to compare other circles of thought to. Yet, what is deemed “correct” within one instructor’s paradigm doesn’t apply to all—even within the same riding method.

Sharing expertise without absolutism

It is more helpful when a circle of thought shares their expertise instead of imposing it on all.

• How it is this circle of thought beneficial to the horse and rider
• What purpose does it serve and what will you gain
• Why it is important
• Who it is meant for

Sharing a scope of expertise helps others learn and unifies. Imposing a scope of expertise on all removes critical thinking and divides one circle of thought from another. Positive vs negative.

Absolute correct or self-promotion

A while ago I was introduced to a new circle thought. It gained my attention by aligning their methods with someone’s lifework who I highly respect. The author of this new circle of thought claimed to have international dressage expertise. Intrigued, I wanted to know more, and I paid the non-refundable membership fee.

The paid content led me into a dark side of self-promotion with extreme views of “correct” imposed on all— followed by spending more money for consultations.

I was eager to discover how this person was aligned with the lifework I highly respect. Unfortunately, there is no content surrounding this claim. It seemed to be a deceptive way to align themselves with another’s lifework to attract new memberships.

I searched the paid content to learn more about this person’s application of dressage, but there are no photos, videos, or demonstrations. Instead, this person hasn’t ridden in several years because they deem riding as “abusive.” I wondered what I signed up for!

Gasp! If this circle of thought becomes absolute correct, how long will it be before riding horses is deemed abusive and banned for all?

Facebook, YouTube, Google, and newly emerging AI technology are wonderful in gaining quick access to information. However, use caution because the information may be deceptive, untrue, fiction, or “incorrect.”

I’m onboard with people who share their opinion, but I bristle whenever an opinion of “correct” is imposed on all. Red flag alert if it is followed with a cost. It could be self-promotion.

Let me know your thoughts. Sending me a message. Stay connected by subscribing to the Naturally Gaited youtube channel and “like” us on facebook.com/naturallygaitedhorse.