Sakima – What a Journey

Time cannot matter when you work with your horse.

I know that because my wild brumby has taken 10 long days to achieve what others would achieve in 2 days.

There is one big difference I have done it without violence and my brumby has had a choice. Most of my work has been done at liberty where no halter or rope constrained his responses.

I want my wild boy to enjoy his introduction to domestication, not endure it if he has no choice. My decision to take this non violent path is a lonely journey and there are only a few who believe and practice this path. So much tradition dictates the way we “break” a horse and this is what it is. The horses’ spirits are broken. They will comply but the rider or handler will never have a true bond.

For the doubters all I say is: “let your horse go and see whether it will come to you and work with you at liberty”. Then you truly know whether you have the trust and bond with the horse so many of us desire. No halter, no bridle and you will see the true nature of your relationship.

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