KEEPING IT NATURAL: Annette Thumath has a passion for natural horsemanship. Photo supplied
JOHN Fairbrother and Annette Thumath are a Poroporo couple whose shared passion for natural horsemanship is at the very heart of their life.
They believe in working with horses based on the animals’ instincts and methods of communication; they believe horses do not learn through fear or pain, but rather from pressure and the release of pressure.
Modern myths of horseriding are dispelled when you take to the saddle on an unshod horse with only a simple rope halter for control. “What? No bit to haul your horse to a stop?” you think.
But if you spend time with John and Annette, you soon discover you have the same control as you would if your horse had a metal bit in its mouth. Also, with careful trimming and maintenance of their feet, they are able to ride on many surfaces. A horse’s hoof naturally flexes, which it isn’t able to do with the restraints of an iron shoe, therefore, as John says, the unnatural experience of being ridden can be a much pleasanter experience for a horse, bit-less and barefoot.
They became interested in this philosophy 20 years ago and have been inspired by practitioners such as Tom Dorence, Ray Hunt and Warwick Schiller. The Horse Whisperer, a film starring Robert Redford and based on the book by Monty Roberts was also based on these practices.
Most natural horsemanship theories agree that teaching through pain and fear do not result in a relationship that benefits both horse and handler. The object is for the horse to be calm and feel safe throughout the training process. A horse that feels calm and safe with his handler is quick to bond with that person.
To see John or Annette working with one of their horses and transforming an anxious horse into an engaged and listening creature in as little as 30 minutes is inspiring. Annette says the timing can vary a lot from horse to horse. Patience, timing and experience are the tools of her trade.
It is a magical experience to arrive at John and Annette’s property and be greeted by their herd of 28 horses, most of which have been born and bred there. They range free over a 40-hectare paddock of manuka and bush-clad land.
John has been running a trekking business from the 100ha farm for 20 years. On one of his treks you experience not only bitless and barefoot horses, but amazing views over Whakatane and out to Whale Island.
A gentle calm pervades the people, horses and this property’s landscape. Entering Nikau Valley Farm is a therapeutic experience for all.
Dido Eden