Playing skateboards and suitcases with ponies

Marcel Olivé is passionate about the horse’s voice and explaining how we can listen if we just open our hearts and ears. Read an extract from his new book.

Marcel has trained with Monty Roberts, whose name is synonymous with natural horsemanship, at the heart of which is finding a connection and partnership with horses – and ‘training them’, never ‘breaking them’. Monty is interviewed in Marcel’s book, and so am I! You can read my interview in full in the extract Marcel’s given us, but here are a few snippets.

“There’s no shortcut to feeling safe and connected with your horse. It’s going to take time.”

This is so important, and reading the interview back again I realise how many times I say it. But I stand by it. And I explain the parts skateboards and suitcases play in time spent with some of our therapy horses.

“Our horses are trained to walk on if someone strokes from their crest towards their wither because many of our riders cannot use their legs.”

Most of our riders have mental or physical disabilities, so we have to know our horses inside out to ensure everyone is kept safe. Our ponies have to be so patient, but that doesn’t come by accident. And we have a selection of special communication aids (like the one here) to make riding accessible for all participants who want to do it.

“If you were a horse, what kind of human would you like to look after you and make your life better?”

Shouldn’t this be at the heart of our relationships with horses if we truly want them to be special? And really, this is just me circling back again to finding time getting to know a horse, for both your sakes. That’s me on my soapbox again!

Read Marcel’s interview with Natalie

The Truth about your Horse: Transformative Wisdom for Horse Owners by Marcel Olivé is available in paperback for £14.90