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Trust Yourself to Try and Err

by Joe
June 18th, 2011


For years I’ve called the process of making Benji movies trial-and-error film making. I always – well, usually – know what I want to see up there on the screen, but almost never know how to get it on film. I remember late one night in Oregon on Benji the Hunted there were about twelve of us crammed and bundled around the camera which was sitting on the dirt pointed down at a tiny little cougar cub who was supposed to be looking up at Benji, pleading with his eyes to not be left alone to be eaten by some larger predator (his mama had been shot by a hunter). The look in the cub’s eyes had to be right. It had to make us (the audience) choke up a little, feel the plight of this poor helpless baby. So there we were, this huge crowd of people all scrunched in a ball gawking down at this wee cub with a bevy of bright lights in his eyes, and I was supposed to be holding the “look” of the cub (as if he were gazing up at Benji) and I was also supposed to be doing something that would evoke just the right expression. Something that would make the cub’s eyes beg pleeeze don’t leave me here…

I squawked annoying sounds, tried to whistle (which I never had learned to do properly), gurgled, cracked sticks, rustled leaves, squeaked… none of which was having any effect. After a moment, the cub began to rock back and forth and I said, “I think he’s falling asleep!” I got louder, but the little guy’s eyes rolled back in his head and his eyelids dropped shut. He was out like a light. After a moment, he plopped over on his side, which woke him up with a start, and we began again. It had to be a funny sight to an innocent bystander. But it took a while for me to see the humor in it as rolls upon rolls of film raced through the camera. We shot up at least twenty minutes worth before finally getting the expression I wanted. I don’t even remember what sound or movement extracted the perfect look… but that particular moment in the finished film is magical. Truly magical.

The point here is we don’t have to know all there is to know every time we enter a new situation. We don’t have to wait and wait until we’re living experts of the moment to give something a try. I’m a huge advocate of book and DVD learning, of ingesting years of experience in a short time from people more knowledgeable than I. But there comes a time when there is no better learning than first-hand experience, of getting out there and trying something. Giving it a shot. Knowing full well that it probably won’t work. But mentally set to keep going. To try something else. And something else again. Until that magical moment happens. Because every mistake is another learning experience and one builds upon another.

I’ve never forgotten the following moment, as described in The Soul of a Horse:

Our growing library of books and DVDs all said “begin at the beginning.” which meant standing in the arena teaching my horse to back up, or move sideways. Or come to me. These exercises would give me control, said the DVDs. And once I had complete control over how, where, and when the horse moves, I would then have a safe horse. And only then should I climb aboard.

But I wanted to know why.

I was also anxious to take the next step with Cash. After Join-Up, he was now looking to me for leadership, so off we went to the arena.

I hear we learn by our mistakes.

One of the training DVDs had spelled out three different ways to teach backup.

See Cash back up, Method One.

See Cash back up, Method Two.

See Cash back up, Method Three.

Why, I wondered, did I need three? Especially here, beginning at the beginning. One method would’ve been quite enough to confuse both of us this first time out.

See Joe look like a circus clown.

Clumsy and awkward do not adequately describe the moment. I had Cash’s lead rope in one hand and a three-foot-long Handy Stick in the other. A Handy Stick is a plastic rod used to extend the length of one’s arm so that, hopefully, one can stand back far enough to avoid the kind of knockdown Kathleen got to experience. The stick, sold of course by one of the DVD trainers, is not to be used for discipline, only for guidance. According to this particular DVD, I was supposed to be doing one thing with the lead rope and another with the stick.

It was like trying to rub circles on your belly with one hand while patting your head with the other.

I felt like an idiot.

Those droll cocks of the head and quizzical looks from Cash were coming at me like machine-gun fire. I expected him to burst out laughing any minute. I was clearly not getting through.

But I didn’t give up. What I ultimately did was push aside most of what the DVD was telling me to do and started making it up as I went. Trying different things. If this didn’t work, I’d try that. Or something else. And slowly, over time, I began to see that it really doesn’t matter what you do, but rather how well you communicate what you’d like for your horse to do. If touching his ear will communicate that you want him to roll over, so be it. Ultimately I reached a point where I can now ask Cash to back up with nothing more than a word, or a toss of the head, or a flick of a finger.

And it all came about stumbling around through the process of trial and error. Which lead me to look at communication from his end of the lead rope, not from mine. What could I possibly do to get him to understand what I’m saying, what I’m asking?

See the Video with Joe and Cash – Relationship First!

The time came pretty quickly to get off the DVDs altogether, to get out of the books, away from the clinics, and spend that time with the horses. To let the horses be our teachers. To watch them interact with each other and begin to internalize what they were doing so that it became a part of our vocabulary, part of our being. To understand their individual personalities because I knew them, not because I consulted a book or a DVD or a spin chart. It was No Agenda Time and lots of it. Time spent with without a goal of accomplishing a thing other than being with the horses, getting to seriously know them. And then trying different things based upon what we learned.

The longer I’m with horses the more I realize that every good decision comes from gathering knowledge, spending lots of time with the horses – which not only develops bond but wisdom – and then exercising my best judgement… knowing that it might change tomorrow when I see how it works or learn something new. So… please… don’t look for answers (except from your horses). Look for knowledge. Enough of it so that you can see through the things that make no sense and therefore make good judgements… knowing that it’s all trial and error. Also know that if something doesn’t seem logical, it probably isn’t. If it doesn’t make sense, it’s probably not right. And if it’s only for convenience the odds are good it’s the wrong answer for the horse.

And please don’t ever be the person who actually said to me, “Just tell me what to do… not how to learn.”

I’m often asked to describe our “method”… but we don’t have a method. Because every horse and every situation and every relationship is different. When I go down to feed, twice a day, each time I’m faced with different issues depending upon who is where. Each horse is fed in a specific place that has been determined by their dominance position in the herd and how fast they eat… but sorting them into those places is always different. I sometimes catch myself wishing that they would all just disperse and go automatically to where they know their feed tubs are because sometimes it’s like fruit-basket turnover. But I always get something out of the sorting process because the challenge is always different depending on who is where, their moods, the weather, and whatever else is going on at the time. In the beginning it was always trial and error, but not anymore… usually… because the time I’ve spent with them has taught me that I can make pretty good decisions, most of the time, about how I’m going to approach the process, and why.

Our passion at the moment is trying to convince you that once the basics are in place, you don’t need “methods”, clinicians, and other people’s directives. There is no such thing as a switch you can throw and each horse will do or be whatever you’d like. It’s continuous evaluation and response.

And always know this: The answer to every question is buried somewhere in the answer to this question: What would my horse be doing for himself if he were living in the wild of the American west where he evolved for millions and millions of years. That covers lifestyle, diet, feet, health, stress, training and to some degree relationships and bonding. And once you have gathered knowledge from the horse (and know how to Google) you will have the ability to deal with it all, to trust yourself to trust the judgments you will make, knowing that some will work better than others but they will all be learning experiences.

There’s always concern, and fear… but please, please, please don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Trial and error is what it’s all about. Nobody, even Pat Parelli, is perfect. Mistakes are learning tools. I made a big mistake the day I put a lead rope on Saffy (see: What a Special Lady – This Wild Mustang). But I learned quickly.

And so can you. – Joe

—–

The story of our journey with horses (to date) is told in the two books that follow: the national best seller The Soul of a Horse – Life Lessons from the Herd  and its sequel Born Wild – The Soul of a Horse.

And what a story it is as two novices without a clue stumble and bumble their way through the learning process so that hopefully you won’t have to. If you haven’t read both of these books already please do because with that reading, I believe, will come not just the knowledge of discovery but the passion and the excitement to cause you to commit to your journey with horses, to do for the horse without waiver so that your relationship and experience will be with loving, happy and healthy horses who are willing partners and who never stop trying for you. Horses like ours.

The highly acclaimed best selling sequel to the National Best Seller
The Soul of a Horse – Life Lessons from the Herd

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#1 Amazon Best Seller
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Order Personally Inscribed Copies of Born Wild – $15
Order Both The Soul of a Horse & Born Wild – Save 20%
Both Personally Inscribed – $24
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Watch the  Born Wild Trailer

But first read the National Best Seller that started it all
Now in it’s 13th printing:

Amazon & Kindle
Barnes & Noble & NOOKbook
Apple iBooks
Order Personally Inscribed Copies of The Soul of a Horse – $15
Order Both The Soul of a Horse & Born Wild – Save 20%
Both Personally Inscribed – $24
Please list the names for each inscription in the “instructions to Seller” field as you check out!
Read More About Born Wild
Read More About The Soul of a Horse
Watch The Soul of a Horse Trailer
Watch the  Born Wild Trailer
“One cannot help but be touched by Camp’s love and sympathy for animals and by his eloquence on the subject.” – Michael Korda, The Washington Post
“Joe Camp is a natural when it comes to understanding how animals tick and a genius at telling us their story. His books are must-reads for those who love animals of any species.” – Monty Roberts – Author of New York Timers Best-seller The Man Who Listens to Horses
“Camp’s tightly-written, simply-designed and powerfully drawn chapters often read like short stories that flow from the heart.” Jack L. Kennedy – The Joplin Independent
“Joe Camp is a gifted storyteller and the results are magical. Joe entertains, educates and empowers, baring his own soul while articulating keystone principles of a modern revolution in horsemanship.” – Rick Lamb – TV/Radio host – The Horse Show

 

 

Categories Benji, Building Trust, Director, Hollywood, Horses, Natural Training, Relationship, Trust Yourself, Wild Horses
Comments (7)

Comments

  1. Dorothe Doyle says:
    August 23, 2010 at 9:42 pm

    Joe, I know several horse owners who can make their horses jump through hoopes if they would want them to, but they cannot ride them with confidence. After I read “The Soul of a Horse”, I followed my instincts and communicated with my horse on his level. After only 6 months I can ride him wherever I want, because he trusts my judgement and he knows that I trust him.
    Thanks for sharing your experiences with the rest of the horse world.

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  2. Maggie Frazier says:
    August 1, 2010 at 7:47 am

    Joe
    Just goes to show you all the dvds & books with someone elses experience & knowledge are great – BUT its you and your horse
    that have to understand & maybe you have to work thru it.
    Biggest thing is patience, isnt it?
    Maggie

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  3. Kim in Connecticut says:
    August 1, 2010 at 6:11 am

    Joe,
    How did you know I needed to hear that right now? Thanks! I’ve been trying to get my gelding past his fear of a big horse play ball, which represents anything he would be affraid of out on the trail and such. It’s taking EVERY OUNCE of my patients and then some not to get aggrivated with the process, and how much “retreat” he needs to become ever-so-slowly more confident in himself and me. Thanks for the reminder not to give up, stay patient and keep “at it”. :)

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  4. Veronica Delagard says:
    August 1, 2010 at 5:28 am

    Joe there is nothing my old branded Morgan Mare won’t do for me, she is gentle as a lamb, she will back, pick up her feet moved to side and now even smell my hair when I sit down with her, and will even take a carrot from my hand now, but the one thing she won’t let me to is get on her.

    One day at a time!!!

    This goal is not so much the riding process. I have other horses for this but now that she will do it all, I figure I know for sure she trust me totally when she finally lets me sit there without trying to shake me off with all her energy.

    Today is Sunday and another try for her trust.

    I will then thank her for her kindness and ultimate act of trust and get off and give her a big kiss and send her back to the pasture where she is happy.

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  5. jane ames says:
    July 31, 2010 at 7:22 pm

    Great words Joe…encourages the rest of us who have read and read and watched and watched…to just get out there and give it a try. As one of my good friends (who I bought my filly Sparrow from) said after I had finished going on and on about some book or other I had read and how to get soemthing done, “…well, the horse didn’t read the damn book…” Silence followed by hoots of laughter. She was right, of course.

    Blessings.

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    • admin says:
      August 1, 2010 at 9:55 am

      Hysterical Jane… I laughed out loud as well :)

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  6. Aisha Al Midfa says:
    July 31, 2010 at 5:22 pm

    What a beautiful read! i promise u i wont give up! and ill will slave away for my horses and any other horse that needs my help.. and hunted is my FAV!!!!!!!!! always was xxx

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DVDs & CDs

Benji Widescreen HD HD Widescreen For the Love of Benji DVD - For the Love of Benji - Written, produced & directed by Joe DVD - The Original Benji - Written, produced & directed by Joe DVD - Benji the Hunted - Written & directed by Joe DVD - Benji Off the Leash - Written & directed by Joe Benji Soundtrack CD CD - Inspiring Keynote Speech from Joe: Dare to Dream

GREAT VIDEOS

  • 1-Born Wild Book Trailer
  • 1: The Soul of a Horse Trailer
  • 2: Relationship First!
  • 2a-Here We Go Again – Our Second Pregnant Mustang
  • 2b-First Romp in the Pasture for Saffron and Firestorm
  • 2c-Two Mustangs from the Wild and Their First Trip into a New Paddock
  • 3: Our Paddock Paradise – What We Did, How We Did It, and Why
  • 4: Why our horses are barefoot
  • 5: Why our horses eat from the ground
  • 6: Our Rescue Miss Mouse – Two Years Later
  • 7: Horses Dancing Barefoot
  • 8: Benji gets a new baby… horse
  • 9: Benji Movie Memories
  • 9a-Rick Lamb Interviews Joe
  • Day 1 with Noelle – Loading at the BLM in Reno
  • Day 18-Don't Ask for Patience. God Will Give You a Horse!
  • Day 46 with Noelle
  • Day 70 with Noelle
  • The Search for Benji in Shelters All Across the Country
  • The Soul of a Horse Channel on Vimeo
  • The Soul of a Horse Channel on YouTube

Hoof Care - Barefoot

  • 1-The Soul of a Horse Website
  • 3: Our Paddock Paradise – What We Did, How We Did It, and Why
  • 4: Why our horses are barefoot
  • 7: Horses Dancing Barefoot
  • Eddie Drabek
  • Mark Taylor
  • Pete Ramey's Website

Mustangs

  • 1-The Soul of a Horse Website
  • 2a-Here We Go Again – Our Second Pregnant Mustang
  • 2b-First Romp in the Pasture for Saffron and Firestorm
  • 2c-Two Mustangs from the Wild and Their First Trip into a New Paddock
  • Day 1 with Noelle – Loading at the BLM in Reno
  • Day 18-Don't Ask for Patience. God Will Give You a Horse!
  • Day 46 with Noelle
  • Day 70 with Noelle
  • Ginger Kathren's The Cloud Foundation
  • ISPMB
  • The Soul of a Horse Channel on Vimeo
  • The Soul of a Horse Channel on YouTube

Natural Lifestyle

  • 2b-First Romp in the Pasture for Saffron and Firestorm
  • 5: Why our horses eat from the ground
  • The Soul of a Horse Channel on Vimeo

Natural Training

  • 1-The Soul of a Horse Website
  • 1: The Soul of a Horse Trailer
  • 2: Relationship First!
  • 2a-Here We Go Again – Our Second Pregnant Mustang
  • Day 1 with Noelle – Loading at the BLM in Reno
  • Day 46 with Noelle
  • Day 70 with Noelle
  • The Soul of a Horse Channel on Vimeo

Recommended Links

  • 1-The Soul of a Horse Website
  • 2-Benji Website
  • 9a-Rick Lamb Interviews Joe
  • Animal Rescue League of Iowa
  • Cowboy Dressage with Debbie & Eitan Halachmy
  • Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch
  • Eddie Drabek
  • Ginger Kathren's The Cloud Foundation
  • Helen Woodward Animal Center
  • Horses of Proud Spirit Sanctuary
  • Imagine a Horse
  • ISPMB
  • Joe on Twitter
  • Kathleen on Twitter
  • Mark Taylor
  • Monty Roberts' Equus Online University
  • Pam Nickoles' Blog
  • Pete Ramey's Website
  • QueryHorse.com
  • The Soul of a Horse Channel on Vimeo

Relationship

  • 1-Born Wild Book Trailer
  • 1-The Soul of a Horse Website
  • 1: The Soul of a Horse Trailer
  • 2: Relationship First!
  • 2c-Two Mustangs from the Wild and Their First Trip into a New Paddock
  • Day 70 with Noelle
  • The Soul of a Horse Channel on Vimeo
  • The Soul of a Horse Channel on YouTube

Terrific Horse Rescue Organizations

  • Animal Rescue League of Iowa
  • Horses of Proud Spirit Sanctuary

Terrific Pet Adoption Centers and Support

  • Animal Rescue League of Iowa
  • Helen Woodward Animal Center

Training Gently

  • 1-The Soul of a Horse Website
  • 1: The Soul of a Horse Trailer
  • 2: Relationship First!
  • Cowboy Dressage with Debbie & Eitan Halachmy
  • Imagine a Horse
  • Monty Roberts' Equus Online University

Trusting Yourself

  • 1-The Soul of a Horse Website
  • 1: The Soul of a Horse Trailer

Wild Horse Barefoot Lifestyle

  • 1-The Soul of a Horse Website
  • 3: Our Paddock Paradise – What We Did, How We Did It, and Why
  • 4: Why our horses are barefoot
  • 7: Horses Dancing Barefoot
  • Eddie Drabek
  • Pete Ramey's Website

Wild Horses

  • 1-The Soul of a Horse Website
  • 2a-Here We Go Again – Our Second Pregnant Mustang
  • 2b-First Romp in the Pasture for Saffron and Firestorm
  • 2c-Two Mustangs from the Wild and Their First Trip into a New Paddock
  • 3: Our Paddock Paradise – What We Did, How We Did It, and Why
  • Day 1 with Noelle – Loading at the BLM in Reno
  • Day 46 with Noelle
  • Day 70 with Noelle
  • Ginger Kathren's The Cloud Foundation
  • ISPMB
  • Pete Ramey's Website
  • The Soul of a Horse Channel on Vimeo
  • The Soul of a Horse Channel on YouTube
  • Q&A with Joe
  • Our Former Place – The Birthplace of The Soul of a Horse
  • Our New Place in Middle Tennessee
  • Television & Radio Interviews
  • Read About the Houston Mounted Police Patrol – 40 Horses Working the Streets – All Barefoot!
  • Jack L. Kennedy Reviews Joe’s Books
  • The Soul of a Horse on Facebook

Joe & Kathleen

Barely eight years ago Joe and Kathleen Camp entered the world of horses without a horse or a clue and very quickly found their questions steering them into uncharted and controversial waters on a collision course with the ultimate discovery that most "domestic" horses in the world are being kept and cared for in a manner that is diametrically contradictory to their genetic design. Since that moment they have both become passionate advocates for change. Kathleen is a lawyer specializing in litigation and is now teaching American Literature at The Webb School. Joe created the international canine superstar Benji and wrote, produced, and directed all five of the Benji movies and various television programs. His recent book The Soul of a Horse is a national best seller and in its ninth printing. Even with all the accomplishments and media exposure, Camp is still in awe of his own success. “Inside, I’m still a kid sitting in a dark theater in Little Rock, Arkansas, watching Disney’s ‘Song of the South’ or reading books like the Black Stallion with happy tears rolling down my cheeks,” he says. “To be able to bringt that kind of happiness to others is very special.” For more, click on the About Joe & Kathleen link in the header bar above.
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