I recently received a fresh dose of empathy for the inexperienced and confidence lacking horse owner. If I was ever impatient with a tentative student, the following scenario will be a good reminder to me when helping someone along in his or her horsemanship journey.

We were in Pennsylvania conducting a horsemanship clinic. We met up with our old friend, Patrick, who is a horse trainer in that state. After the clinic, we went out to dinner, and Patrick shared some of the recent training in which he has been involved. Before dinner was over, we decided that we’d head out to his facility and ride, before it got too dark. 

Once there, Patrick told me which mount I would be riding, and he went to catch her. She appeared easy enough to catch and he lead her to the gate. He explained to me that he had not had much time to work this particular one all winter, but that tonight would be a good time to get her back in the swing of things. I said, “That will be fine with me. But you have to ride her first!” (I am smart enough to be careful as to what I get myself into.)

After he brought her through the gate, he asked me to hold on to her while he went back to secure the latch. I walked over and took a hold of the lead rope. I hadn’t been holding her for ten seconds, when everything fell apart.

She jumped in the air, and it seemed to me that each of her legs went in a different direction. Then her head swung around, like a giant rattlesnake, ready to strike its prey. This is when I did the unthinkable: I ran backwards! All I could think was, “I need to get out of the way before I get killed!”

It wouldn’t have taken much for me to just let go of that lead rope and keep moving. At that moment, in the midst of my dilemma, I heard Patrick say, “Just treat her like a horse! Bump that lead rope and make her yield away!” I made a feeble effort to do just that and was sure thankful that Patrick was soon alongside of me.  He took the lead rope out of my hand and took charge of the situation. I sure felt embarrassed. And then I realized that’s probably just how the more inexperienced people at my clinics sometimes feel!)

What was my problem? I simply didn’t have any experience dealing with, or handling, CAMELS. That’s right, camels! My friend Patrick the horse trainer had recently been hired by a local zoo to halter-break and train their camels to ride.

Patrick went on to explain the similarities and the differences that he had discovered about these two animals. I felt a little bit better when he assured me that his reaction was similar to mine the first time he had encountered the“Camel Dance.”

We took this young camel over to a riding area, and as Patrick had promised,he rode her first. Just like in the movies, Patrick had her kneel down for mounting and dismounting. Then it was my turn. “Where should I sit? How do I hold on?” I asked. I don’t think I demonstrated very good equitation, but I somehow survived a lap around the area without falling off. The training that Patrick had accomplished with this camel was really impressive.

I’ve been training horses for thirty years and have gotten pretty comfortable handling even the most difficult horses. I’m confident in most situations,because of the tremendous amount of time and experience I have gained. Yet, it was a whole new ball game when it came to camels. I looked like the novice I was!

The next time I help someone who is a little bit anxious or unsure with his or her horse, I want to try and be a little more patient and understanding. For those who lack experience, horses can be intimidating. I think if I had a few more camel lessons, I would probably get a lot better in a short period of time.That’s what the amateur horse enthusiast needs as well; some good instruction,time, and positive experiences!

To all of you novice riders, be encouraged. I know how you feel! Keep playing with your horses and working on yourselves. And you too can survive the “Camel Dance!”