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A lot of phrases have been coined in an attempt to describe a type of horsemanship that eschews traditional training methods of force and instead embraces what has become widely known as "feel". I gave a lot of thought to an appropriate term to describe that very sort of horsemanship; "thoughtful horseman" is truly what finally summed it up. The dictionary definition of "thoughtful" reads:

• Engrossed in thought; contemplative.
   

• Exhibiting or characterized by careful thought.
   

• Having or showing heed for the well-being or happiness of others and a propensity for anticipating their needs or wishes.

That is, I believe, the hallmark of horsemanship that seeks to develop true feel.

There are plenty of books and DVDs and systems and merchandise out there aiming to teach people this sort of horsemanship. And in those resources there is for sure a goldmine of information; and some also contain some ideas that just don't seem to fit by my definition. But no matter how much information you find on the subject, "feel" is elusive. Clinics are few and far between; and individual instruction is darn hard to come by.

I don't have all the answers; I'm pretty sure no one does. But I'd like to share what I've learned, and help put you on the path to being a thoughtful horseman. I'll help you learn how:

• To listen with your full attention, with your mind and your heart
   

• To THINK, to experiment, to be creative in your interactions
   

• To be reliable and consistent, in order for your horse to be reliable and consistent
   

• To trust your horse, and go with him, so that he might see fit to go with you
   

• To ride the horse as he moves naturally
   

• To ride FAST, and be comfortable riding fast
   

• To ride with your seat, and not your hands