If you are any part of human you have encountered a moment of absolute frustration. Whether the moment follows a tough ride, a bad fall, or a conversation it is easy to get wrapped in the moment.
As riders, handlers, and trainers it is our job to look past these moments that test character and judgement. It is our responsibility to think about the moments that follow, not the moments at hand. Look at those moments as an opportunity to fix the weakest link, to fill the void that causes the feeling. Here’s a great way to get through that moment – without over reacting.
~ A tough ride: Take each moment where the horse presents a challenge and connect how the human intervention can make a positive influence. Think about the things you know about that particular horse in his habits and demeanor. Now take into account safety, surroundings, and mental aspects – what will my result be? If you have a red flag in your mind when thinking about any of these areas take a walk break. Reconsider your approach. Try again.
~A Bad Fall: Rebuild confidence by visiting that gut-wrenching area again. If you choose to do so on the horse start carefully, rebuilding his confidence in you too. Put your mind back to what happened – find the cause. If you can’t identify the cause identify the “how” in your fall. What unseated you? How could you have reacted or landed differently? What will you do next time to protect you and your horse? As humans, and riders, understanding the moment helps us to heal the fear. By understanding the fear you can then be confident in yourself ultimately passing this confidence back to your horse. The next moment will be different.
~ A Conversation: We have all had the individual we talk Horses with disagree with us. Sometimes it causes an end to a friendship, or worse, an end to a training program. Whatever the case the right is yours to agree to disagree. As many different breeds and types of horses in the world there are also just as many ideas, approaches, and theories. When in this conversation be mindful and respectful of others' views, while keeping yourself polite. An open ear shows more strength than an open mouth. Don’t get heated because someone doesn’t agree with you, instead take the initiative to listen and find the common ground in the conversation. Think positive.
As riders, handlers, and trainers it is our job to look past these moments that test character and judgement. It is our responsibility to think about the moments that follow, not the moments at hand. Look at those moments as an opportunity to fix the weakest link, to fill the void that causes the feeling. Here’s a great way to get through that moment – without over reacting.
~ A tough ride: Take each moment where the horse presents a challenge and connect how the human intervention can make a positive influence. Think about the things you know about that particular horse in his habits and demeanor. Now take into account safety, surroundings, and mental aspects – what will my result be? If you have a red flag in your mind when thinking about any of these areas take a walk break. Reconsider your approach. Try again.
~A Bad Fall: Rebuild confidence by visiting that gut-wrenching area again. If you choose to do so on the horse start carefully, rebuilding his confidence in you too. Put your mind back to what happened – find the cause. If you can’t identify the cause identify the “how” in your fall. What unseated you? How could you have reacted or landed differently? What will you do next time to protect you and your horse? As humans, and riders, understanding the moment helps us to heal the fear. By understanding the fear you can then be confident in yourself ultimately passing this confidence back to your horse. The next moment will be different.
~ A Conversation: We have all had the individual we talk Horses with disagree with us. Sometimes it causes an end to a friendship, or worse, an end to a training program. Whatever the case the right is yours to agree to disagree. As many different breeds and types of horses in the world there are also just as many ideas, approaches, and theories. When in this conversation be mindful and respectful of others' views, while keeping yourself polite. An open ear shows more strength than an open mouth. Don’t get heated because someone doesn’t agree with you, instead take the initiative to listen and find the common ground in the conversation. Think positive.
