Demo Day- Learning Opportunities

 Years ago I was asked to do demo, but the horse they brought was having a really hard time. 

He'd never left home, never been away from his pasturemates, nor been around a crowd, PA system or indoors. He was running around slamming himself into walls of the demo round pen.

 The spectators collectively leaned back as I walked into the horse's chaos. 

Did I "perform" or stay stuck on worrying what I was supposed to be showing off that day? No. The only thing that mattered was helping this scared horse find a safe place mentally, emotionally and physically. 

 Did I have a flag, ropes, whips, or gadgets? No. 

It was such a wonderful opportunity to teach people about what an initially seemingly overwhelming scenario can turn into if the human supports the horse rather than critiques him.