Pete Rodda came up with this title to describe the effect of his systematic approach to working with horses. Pete utilizes his background studying a variety of "Natural Horsemanship " techniques and layering in the body awareness he has learned to observe through Dressage training he has both participated in and observed over the 4 year period we have been working together.

        In a nutshell, Complementary Horsemanship helps any horse, from any discipline, find a more clear and secure relationship with their human handler. Even more remarkable is that horses going through this process develop a much greater sense of confidence and relaxation within themselves.           To date I can only verify this through personal experience, observation and anecdotal evidence. It is my hope to move this from observation to proof, through scientific evidence, that shows a verifiable chemical change in the horse's biochemistry. But even without that, the evidence keeps mounting that this approach enables horses to obtain such significant progress in their training, and such significant improvements in their ability to relax and process what is going on around them, that if the science can not be established I will continue to share the method, because in 35 continuous years of training horses, I have never encountered such an effective method of  enabling a horse to relax. 

Are you a big picture person, or do you function more from moment to moment? Do you often think about how what you are doing fits into a longer term vision, or does your thought process tend more to the details of what is happening RIGHT NOW?

Horses are very much "now" animals, affected by their memory but not plotting their every next move [despite how it sometimes feels to their riders!] To be a good rider/trainer, however, in Dressage or any horse sport, you really need to be able to access both perspectives- how what you are doing overall will affect the long run, and what to do NOW - in this instant- to help achieve the big picture. 
    
   This is, of course, easier to do the more experience you have, and harder when you are just starting out - whether it is learning to post, or learning to piaffe, the ability to stay objective and indeed, even laugh at yourself, can help you, your horse and the people around you enjoy THE LONG RUN much more. By keeping some levity in the moment it can also help your mental/physical relaxation, which does make your horse's job easier!

  Obviously there are times to be serious and focused, but it is worth remembering that riding is just...riding. I often remind myself when I start getting intense about what I am teaching that world peace will still be elusive, whether or not my student grasps the concept. Remember - walking on a long rein and breathing will never keep you from trying again - and it may make the next try successful for all concerned. My husband Clayton will often ask me if I know a joke - which frustrates me no end when I am being frustated! - but the laugh he pulls out of me I have to admit - makes the moment better. Baby steps to a happy big picture- enjoy your ride!