From his days riding his ‘stick horse’ and playing the Lone Ranger to the animals on his Grandfather’s Indiana farm, Ryan Gingerich has had a love of horses that seems to transcend the normal horse and rider relationship. His ability to get into ‘the mind of the horse’ allows him to rehabilitate horses others have decided are hopeless. He often says there are no bad horses, only bad training.
Ryan began his professional horse career as a trail guide. His love affair with the horse then led him to complete a national certification program where he continued working after graduation. His ability to work with troubled horses was put to good use there and he continued to develop the bond with these horses that today has him branded as ‘The Behaviorist’. This title is well earned not only through his natural ability but through study and the application of scientific research into horse behavior. Ryan frequently refers to Dr. Andrew Mclean, Director of the Australian Equine Behavior Centre. Dr. McLean was so impressed by his communications with Ryan that he paid his own way to the United States to work with Ryan in person. They continue to share knowledge.
Ryan has developed his training program, Connective Horsemanship, using a marriage of science and tradition. His five elements of Connective Horsemanship offer a simple language for the rider and the horse. These five elements consist of Basic Control, Lightness, Rhythm, Line and Connection. This language uses a technique Ryan calls exclusivity which requires that the horse need give only one response to one cue and when used correctly leads to “deletion” of incorrect behavior. This eliminates confusion in the horse and owner helping both to relax and learn. Ryan uses this technique to rehabilitate horses with behaviors that range from bolting and bucking to buddy sour. His method crosses all disciplines and is used at his National Equine Behavior Center in Troy, Missouri to rehabilitate every breed of horse from off track Thoroughbreds to Quarter horses.
‘The Behaviorist’ TV show will follow Ryan as he travels the country helping people rehabilitate their misbehaving horses. Using his OEPA method, Ryan determines what is causing the behavior and then helps the owner develop a plan of action. These horse behaviors will range from annoying to dangerous. You will hear Ryan talk about Green Zone, Yellow Zone and Red Zone horses and what horse behavior determines the zone color. You will also see Ryan teach the owner how to continue the training after he leaves. When working with horse owners across the country, they all say the same things. ‘How does he maintain such quiet patience’ or’ he just shuts out everything but he and the horse’.
Be sure to watch starting January 1st at 5:30 and if you have a horse with behavioral problems you can contact Ryan at www.connectivehorsemanship.com. You and your horse could be chosen for a future show.
