The Secret World of the Horse

For the animal shall not be measured by man. In a world older and more complete than ours, they move finished and complete, gifted with the extensions of senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethren, they are not underlings, they,  are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendor and travail of the earth.

These words were written by Henry Beston, an American writer and naturalist (1888-1968) certainly not a gentler time in our history, but a time that seems to have placed the horse on a higher plain, then we do today.

Those of us that are fortunate enough to live in the province of Alberta have the best of the equestrian world at our door step.  Over half of the horses in the western provinces live here. Equine venues of all disciplines abound through out the province.  Alberta is home to some of the finest Equestrian venues in the world.

Spruce Meadows, located at Calgary, Alberta, brings world class equestrian jumping to our very doorstep. Every year, The Calgary Stampede, “The Greatest Show on Earth” showcases all of Alberta’s breeds and their abilities to the diversified population attending, from around the world. The foothills of Alberta’s greatest tourist attraction, The Rocky Mountains are crisscrossed with equestrian trails, bringing the adventures of a life time to the back country trail rider.

Of course there is a dark side to the horse industry; many pitfalls await those trying to participate in the world of the horse. False information, poorly trained horses, gossip and non factual statements, can turn your adventure of a lifetime into a disaster.

I’ve been blessed over the last 50 years to have known the persons who did have the key to unlock the Secret World of the Horse.  I have been a part of that world for years, invited in you might say, and everyday has been an adventure. Some good, some bad, but everyday remarkable!

There are 4 parts of the key to the world of the horse; knowledge, mutual respect, understanding and compassion.  Without them you will never be invited into their world.

That is why I’m now opening Paul Mitchell Equine Consulting Services to open the door to a world much older than ours. To help novice, and professional alike, to participate and excel, in this Secret World of the Horse.

A great horseman can hear his horse whisper

A good horseman can hear his horse talk

Some horseman can’t hear their horse scream

1866 author unknown