Welcome to the second in a series of articles on the essence of each temperament type horse. These articles are meant to offer a different perspective on each temperament type based on that type’s elemental basis. If you have felt somewhat confused by horse temperament typing, hopefully this series of articles will help you “feel” the essence of each type.
Earth is solid, firm, fertile, and deep. We build our homes on solid ground. We build earthen dams to hold back water and prevent erosion. We till the ground and plant our crops so that we can be fed. Earth is our home and we depend on it to always be there for us.
The Earth horse temperament is solid and dependable, which makes him the perfect horse for the beginner or child. The Earth horse can be a solid mount for any rider who values a steady partner. The Earth horse may not be the flashiest of performers but he can often win on consistency.
The Earth asks very little of us. It is able to cleanse itself and it gives forth its bounty even when we ask too much and offer little in return. Organic farming methods that honor the land will allow it to bring forth a bountiful harvest, but severe overgrazing or conventional farming can take a severe toll.
The Earth Horse Temperament Type
The young Earth horse temperament is born with a willingness to get along and give all he has. The earth horse will often seem to train himself, especially if he is treated with kindness. Earth horses are easy keepers but they love food. A simple diet and moderate work load is best for the Earth horse. Treats will go a long way in assuring their cooperation and excitement about the partnership. With clear boundaries, the Earth horse will respect you and not mug you for food. Over working the Earth horse will destroy his natural good attitude.
Earth offers up its fertile bounty when it contains the correct amount of moisture. With too much water you have a muddy, useless piece of land. With too little moisture you get cracked hardpan. Completely waterlogged land can give way and cause severe mudslides. Driven by wind, dry dirt can become a gritty dust storm.
The Earth horse has a tendency to retain too much water in his system. This excess dampness can cause him to be dull and slow. Too much fat and rich food can lead to excess dampness and the health challenges that are related. Stocking up in the legs is a common sign of dampness in the Earth horse. Internal signs of excess dampness include frequent head colds with thick nasal discharge and susceptibility to parasites. If the Earth horse has too little moisture you will see a dry coat and brittle hooves.
The Earth horse is honest and solid and when his giving nature is honored he will be a willing, long term partner. Born wanting to get along, the Earth horse is a great backyard, family horse. His needs are simple, a basic low-carb, low-fat diet and enough good quality forage to support his weight. Treats will make the Earth horse look forward to working for you and if you set boundaries he will not get pushy. Watch for signs of dampness and make adjustments in feeding practices that are appropriate to his temperament.
In essence, if you take care of your Earth horse, he will take care of you.
Want More Info?
Learn about each of the 11 different horse temperament types in the Horse Harmony book, online test, and resources. You can access all of these by clicking the web addresses below. Be sure to scroll all the way down the pages to access all the fun available resources:
www.HorseHarmony.com
www.HorseHarmonyTest.com
http://facebook.com/HorseHarmony
http://youtube.com/HorseHarmonyTypes
If you liked this post, please leave a comment or get more great holistic horse info at Holistic Horsekeeping, Horse Harmony Test, Horse Harmony, and on Twitter.