Ah.. A Positive Post!

What Have You Learned from Your Horse??



I learned that if I'm Alpha, Cloud won't even *think* about going for food. ("You never know when that 'horse' is going to get me!")

The second I started to get - and keep - his interest and attention, the grass dives stopped. Hmmm, how interesting. I'm learning the beauty of lightness. I rode the other day and, thanks to this new SC DVD, Cloud went when I (only) brought my life up!!! No spurs or crop needed, he went off at phase one. It was so light and beautiful. Now I need to stop bracing to stop and he'll be even better than he is now.

I'm learning the awesomeness of having a half-ton animal canter to you and *want* to be with you. It's so incredible to have their mind, and not just their body. To be able to turn him loose in a 60x120 arena and have him stay in a 12' circle around me is incredible. And to see his fire come up and have him offer play.

I'm learning the importance of controling my emotions - and I'm even making progress. Just a few months ago, I'd get frustrated and take it out on Cloud. Today, I still get frustrated, but I've been simply stoping and ending on a good note - then kicking the crap out of a bucket somewhere my horse can't see me. I'm looking forward to the day I won't get frustrated.

I'm learning to put the relationship first - above everything else. To truely 'take the time it takes' and work through problems in a way that makes our relationship stronger - not weaker. I'm learning to find creative solutions and excercises. To look outside the box and find what works. To have a plan and stick to it unless I shouldn't, and to recognise which I should do. My horse is my biggest teacher - he's teaching me more every day.

The most important thing he's taught me: Keep learning, always.