“Every time you interact with a horse, you are teaching the horse.”
– Buck Brannaman
When you realize this, you begin to really become aware of what you are doing around your horse, all the time!
I think this first hit home with me when I really learned about giving back to the horse. It had started in the saddle when my horse was heavy. I was taught that when my horse gives, that I should really give a lot back. When I saw the results of me giving 10 times back to the horse of what he gave me, I was astounded! It was truly amazing how he then gave more than double the next time!
I got off my horse and lead him back to the barn. Somewhere along the way, it hit me that my lead rope was the same as the rein and if I wanted to really make this a strong lesson (for us both) then I should give back on the lead….OH BOY! It was right there. He literally changed in my hand. It was as if he said, “I have been waiting for you to be aware of that, now thank you very much!”
Now I know that my horses are aware of me and learning from me all the time. From the moment that they can sense me, they are reading me and watching me and making choices. So I try to work from a place to make all experiences fun and heading in a positive direction, toward my goals of outstanding partnership!
How does this quote hold true for you and your horse??