LEARNING - BEYOND EXPLANATION

Beyond Explanation

It's a common misconception that people learn just by having something explained to them. Or even better if you showing and demonstrating.

Wrong.

These methods can be helpful, but human learning is fascinating. People's understanding is layered, shielded by beliefs, and influenced by prior learning.

People can only perceive what they already know and can see.

I recall pointing out to a client that her horse braced every time I picked up the lead rope. When I explained how to prevent this, she admitted she couldn't see what I was talking about. Despite further explanation and demonstration, she couldn't see it. It took multiple repetitions, focusing her observation, for her to notice the horse's subtle reactions.

This experience made me wonder how many others had politely nodded in the past, not grasping what I showed them.

Learning is layered. One must grasp one aspect before advancing to the next.

For instance, recognising the correct canter lead in horse riding. You must first recognise canter on the correct lead, before being able to determine if they are on the wrong lead or disunited.

Teaching is an art. Many people don't realise their potential for learning and mastery. I often confront false self-beliefs instilled by others.

As a child, I learned "how to learn". My grandfather helped me improve my ball-throwing skills, teaching me the importance of practice. This experience when I was able to recognise I had poor skills that I was able to turn into excellent skills was profoundly important in my life.

Therefore, an important key improving at anything is finding the right way to learn and practice.

I'm about to commence my course titled "How to Teach People How to Train Horses," that examines how people learn how to work well with horses. the people that have registered are interested individuals, coaches, and trainers. In the horse world we need more consideration of people because they have to learn how to help their horses. Yet, most focus is on horse training and I have found that limits your message.

My primary platform I engage with is the "Calm Willing Confident Horse Society" (CWCH Society), inspired by the Japanese concept of Shu-Ha-Ri in mastering skills. Here, I've created a community focused on skill and knowledge development through resources I have created, shared learning and monthly challenges.

This month's challenge, "Touch as Many Horses as You Can," has been remarkably effective. Participants earn points for interacting with horses not their own, improving observation skills and self-awareness. The varied responses from different horses enrich the learning experience as the familiarity of your own horse keeps you comfortable. Nothing raises your self awareness like a horse that doesn't know you!

Concluding the challenge, participants are encouraged to teach the learned exercise to someone else, reinforcing their understanding.

The results have been impressive. The challenge has fostered generosity, friendships, and deeper insights into horse behaviour.

Finally, my top tip for spreading ideas: make friends and listen. Trust opens doors, not unsolicited advice or criticism. Those who critique others on social media, claiming scientific backing, often misunderstand both science and education. It's about ego, not enlightenment.

If you truly want to help horses, you need to teach people. If you truly want to help your horse, you need to learn more....and it is amazing how you can transform yourself if you wish.