I don’t know about you, but sometimes learning something new brings out the not-so-best in me. In the Obstacle Workshop this past weekend, it was interesting to see how horses and people alike worked through a variety of obstacles and situations.
Some went along with a smile on their face and curious about the new and interesting things.
Others, the horse pictured left, had other opinions.
In teaching people with their horses, I encourage the development of dialog. In dialog, both parties are allowed to express themselves. I believe this is important in developing trust with horses.
I may not like what a horse has to say, but I give them the chance to express themselves anyway. I try not to have opinions about what they say, just stay focused on the dialog at hand.
Learning something new sometimes brings out the worst in us. As partners with our horses, it is our job to allow expression and offer redirection and new suggestions. With patience and persistence, learning something new doesn’t have to be all that bad.
THANKS to Laurie Fix for the great photos.