01/18/2023
Starting TODAY- I’ll be implementing a new thing I like to call my MagEq Tricks! 🎩🪄
MagEq Trick #1:
MUSIC! 🎶🎤
How many of us like to listen to music? I’m sure we all just nodded and gave a “yes” in our heads. Hey- I love music! Whether you’re into rap, or country… classical or rock… music is a tool that’s completely FREE- but can change you and your horses attitude, outlook, and engagement during training.
The next time you’re working with your horse- whether it be on the ground, under saddle, at liberty… or just going for a grazing walk- open up your phone and hit your favorite tunes!
Play your jams, and take a minute to really relax your body and shake out any predisposed stress, emotions, or other feelings you may be carrying with you into your session. We want none of that… and neither do our hoses! According to a study done by the AARP, “Research shows that music can have a beneficial effect on brain chemicals such as dopamine, which is linked to feelings of pleasure, and oxytocin, the so-called “love hormone.” And there is moderate evidence that music can help lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.”
How crazy is it to think that a such a simple thing like cranking up some jams could totally change your entire session and outcome. But- ITS TRUE! I even have my own ready-to-go playlist filled with all of my favorite uplifting and good-vibe songs ready to be played during ALL of my training and work. Music is not only a way for ME to really relax my mind, but it’s also a great way for my horses to relax theirs as well. I mean think about it: If your happy and cheery and excited for what you’re about to do- why wouldn’t they be??
Music makes things fun and keeps the training light and enjoyable for both you and your equine partner. It allows your mind and energy to flow and follow the beat- and I bet that the next time you train and hit some tunes, by the end of your session you’ll be dancing and jamming without even realizing it!
Tools like music are made available to ALL of us. So why not take advantage of them? Horses are extremely aware and responsive to things that humans can’t even put into words. Our energy, our zen, our body language, and our mindset are just some of the things that the HORSE knows and FEELS- even when we don’t. It’s one thing for me to try to explain the mechanics of it to you- but it’s an even bigger thing for you to try it out and see it for YOURSELF! Allowing yourself to detach from the overwhelming thoughts and expectactions when working with your horse can help you have an overall stronger connection with them, build a deeper bond… and honestly just keeps things FUN FUN FUN! And in my book.. and the big book of MagEq Tricks… music is an extremely powerful one that I like to use all the time! Try it. Hit your music- do your training… and just enjoy the dance party that is inevitably to follow!
Let me know what you think in the comments!
