Finding the Truth

You cannot trick a horse into liking you or the things you want to do. 

You cannot trick a horse into liking you. 

You cannot trick a horse.

Same as you cannot lie to a horse. A horse knows the truth before you do.

A horse does not lie. A horse does not try to trick you.

A horse simply is.

A horse is sentient.

A horse is a reflection of its handling and environment. 

A horse is truly a magnificent being, one that man often does not understand. Some of us are lucky and have incredibly tolerant horses that put up with so much. These are usually the ones who end up serving countless lessons or are marketed as beginner friendly because they can tolerate more mistakes without falling apart. Then some of us get those that are labeled dangerous, crazy, unstable, you name it. In both extremes, rarely are these horses considered in the way that they deserve.

The 'tolerance' is probably coming from the horse shutting down because it's spent its entire life being screamed at. The 'dangerous' horse has had enough and is trying to tell you something is wrong.

You're lucky to have that horse that tells you immediately when something is bothersome. So many horsemen will take that horse and break the spirit until you're left with a compliant soul in a lifeless body. 

You’re lucky to have a horse that is tolerant of your mistakes so you can learn to recognize them and grow your horsemanship. Not everyone gets that on their first go round and has to learn the hard(er) way. 

Listen to your horses. Quit feeding your ego.

That coveted relationship you talk about? That will never be achieved as long as your ego is bigger than you. If you want a true partnership, drop that act and quiet down. Get grounded and get yourself some discipline.

Humans are incredibly loud for a horse who is quiet by nature. I've seen horses who other trainers tell the owners to sell because they have too much horse, or the horse is going to hurt them. That may be the case if you continue on the same path, but it doesn’t have to be the only option. I've witnessed first hand these same horses blossom into confident and happy souls with the right kind of work. 

What about the horse that’s been too slow and lazy for its rider to progress? It’s going to be a lot of work, but it’s worth it to invest in yourself. Getting quieter with your ques, handling, and riding does wonders for these horses. When they come alive because they feel like your listening is probably way cooler than “taming the wild one.”

While there is no perfect answer, there is always the truth.

What you want and what the horse needs are often two very different things. Learning to put the horse first is the way forward. 

Listen to them. 

Listen to their truth.

I promise that when you do, the dust will settle and you’ll see the truth right in front of you.