As a child in Ireland, I grew up believing that every horse should be treated with kindness and patience. And every time we ride or train our horses, we should aim to improve their physical and mental health. Here is my list of 26 characteristics of a great horse man or woman.

1. We understand that our greatest judge is our horse. So we put our horse’s physical and mental health first, regardless of what anyone else might say.

2. We take as long as it takes, and we appreciate the power of time and patience.

3. We aim to be open minded, curious, consistent, patient and kind, and understand improving our horsemanship journey is a lifelong journey

4. We recognise the try, no matter how slight.

5. We don’t use shortcuts, quick fixes, gadgets, draw reins, tie our horses heads down or tie their mouths shut.

6. We never place competition goals above our horse’s health.

7. We don’t pull on our horses, because we understand that it creates tension, bracing and negatively influences their balance.

8. We don’t support riding horses in hyperflexion or the practise of Rollkur.

9. We understand collection is not a head position, and cannot be achieved by pulling hard on the reins, draw reins, rollkur or other physically damaging approaches

10. We understand that collection is a shift of weight from the forequarters to the hindquarters

11. We know that self-carriage means that the horse does it by himself.

12. We believe that groundwork builds relaxation, partnership and relaxation.

13. We are proud to walk on foot with our horses and we know that every mile counts.

14. We know that true horsemanship begins with relaxation and confidence.

15. We understand the importance of riding and training our horses in a way that will improve their long term physical health.

16. We believe true horsemanship is an art-form, that develops softness, lightness and true connection, and we follow the traditions that honor this.

17. We live in the present, stay emotionally neutral, with an open mind and a desire to understand.

18. We allow our horses time to evolve at their own pace

19. We appreciate there are often differences between what the rider wants and what the horse needs.

20. We accept the fact that the horse has more to teach us than we will ever teach them.

21. We acknowledge that a horse’s body is only physically mature at a minimum of 5.5 years of age, and the back is the last part to develop. So we don’t ride 2 or 3 years olds.

22. We understand that older horses are not disposable and it’s our duty to care for them in their last years

23. We are aware that developing a horse correctly through balance, timing and feel takes years and they are at their performance peak at 12+ years of age.

24. We are prepared to quieten our minds, in order to hear our horses, however quietly they are speaking.

25. And we understand horsemanship is a never-ending journey and we always must put the horse first

26. We support each other on our individual journeys, and value the wonderful friendships we create along the way.

Get inspired by 70+ of the world’s most inspiring horsemen & women & get a free ticket to watch episode 1 of the award-winning documentary Listening to the Horse.