The urgency of the stories in our head...
So many good intentined equine enthusiasts unintentionally get pressured and distracted by the "story" of
*last time...
*that one time...
*what if...
*what others think...
*I hope...
None of these thoughts allow for staying present in in the moment. Which then makes interaction with the horse feel rushed.
Without doing so, the handler/rider cannot assesss what the horse is communicating in the now if mentally fixated on the past or anticipating the future.
If not recognizing, believing, and helping the horse work through scenarios currently presented, the clarity of communication diminishes and becomes reactive, after-the-fact criticism.
So why would there be any thought of having a quality session?
Mind-set is everything. I rode for 15 years, on two continents under top trainers/competitors without it ever being taught.
How we perceive the interaction with the horse directly influences the quality of our communication.
If you are experiencing frustration or an emotional rollercoaster coaster when working with the horse, perhaps something has been missed in your understanding of horse behavior or the way in which you are communicating.
The more emotional you get, the more defensive your posture and chaotic energy will be imposed on the horse. Who will then reflect the human chaos, or want nothing to do with it.
Keep sessions short, present communication in segments, and replace judgemental words used to describe your horse if they are human emotions (therefor an inaccurate way to explain horse behavior.)
Would you like to learn more? Visit the three-part webinar MINDFUL HORSEMANSHIP SIGNIFICANCE
So true Sam. The stories don't even have to be about horse stuff. They can be anything that interrupts you being present with the horse.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! So many folks don't realize how "far away" they are mentally when standing right next to the horse.
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