I love this saying as it really applies to life in general. But specifically to our horses. I know, for me and my comfort level, I like to keep things calm and not have my horses raise their prey animal energy if I can help it. BUT I know that does not allow them to grow and that sometimes, they need to "go there" go to a place where they are a bit un-confident, to grow. An example of this is my horse Marley - he is so confident when he is in his 5 acre pasture, his known area. But as soon as I take him out of the gate and through the neighborhood, his energy comes WAYYYY up and he becomes worried.
I used to avoid this but now I am using strategies to help Marley become more confident, and in the process, I am becoming more confident. Hmm - interesting how when our confidence rises, so does our horses. Our horse needs to know we are an alert, aware leader and that our focus is the keep the herd safe. Sometimes, it is hard to find that "peace" when our environment is not peaceful.
In case you wanted to know, some of the things I am doing are: recognizing the first moment that Marley is at a threshold when I take him out and then staying at that threshold, keeping him busy, until he is confident in that space. Then, moving on to the next space (which may only be 12 inches from the last). All of this is done on the ground, online as Marley does not need to manage his confidence and the weight and balance of a rider at the same time. This can take an hour or tow hours or whatever - I allow Marley the time he needs so that the next time, it takes less time. I see alot of people with their horses blowing or forcing their horse through thresholds and boy is that an accident waiting to happen. Also, it teaches your horse that you dont care about their feelings or respect them and to them, that means lack of trust in you.
Here is a great example from one of my mentors on how to help a horse find his own peace:
Let me know your thoughts on this!
I used to avoid this but now I am using strategies to help Marley become more confident, and in the process, I am becoming more confident. Hmm - interesting how when our confidence rises, so does our horses. Our horse needs to know we are an alert, aware leader and that our focus is the keep the herd safe. Sometimes, it is hard to find that "peace" when our environment is not peaceful.
In case you wanted to know, some of the things I am doing are: recognizing the first moment that Marley is at a threshold when I take him out and then staying at that threshold, keeping him busy, until he is confident in that space. Then, moving on to the next space (which may only be 12 inches from the last). All of this is done on the ground, online as Marley does not need to manage his confidence and the weight and balance of a rider at the same time. This can take an hour or tow hours or whatever - I allow Marley the time he needs so that the next time, it takes less time. I see alot of people with their horses blowing or forcing their horse through thresholds and boy is that an accident waiting to happen. Also, it teaches your horse that you dont care about their feelings or respect them and to them, that means lack of trust in you.
Here is a great example from one of my mentors on how to help a horse find his own peace:
Let me know your thoughts on this!
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