Horse Rider Intentions and Goals

"You become what you want to be, by consistently being what you want to become each day." Richard G Scott

I think the above quote is so true regarding our own journey of Horsemanship.
I've been working on putting together projects and have been including interviews from students past and present.

 
None of the students heard each other's answers to three simple questions about their learning experiences with me. Yet there was a consistency in how they evolved in their personal growth from our sessions working together.

Most commented on realizing that at some point, they had reached a mental shift in their approach and Horsemanship from their initial, "I want," to the supportive, "What my horse needs..." This created a newfound mental availability in themselves, that they then could see and hear their horse without judgment, in turn leading to emotionally satisfying experiences with their equine partners.

It is VERY hard in today's extremely critical society, including the equine world, to be able to have the courage to create your own journey for you and your horse.
What may work for one person and their horse, may not work for you.

 
What may work with one of your horses may not work with another one of yours.
What may work with your horse on one day, may not work the next.

Someone else may have more talent, skill, or riding history, but it is irrelevant to your personal horse journey.

Whether you have the "fanciest" horse in the barn, or someone's unwanted rescue, the future is unknown, and there are no guarantees.

Some horses, just as with people, can come into your life for a short time, or their entire lifetime, and we never know what will come in both the potential joys and heartbreaking twists and turns that we may be part of the experience shared with them.

If every moment we spend with the horse, we prioritize that we are mentally present, emotionally available, and physically quiet, we can begin to acknowledge and appreciate their try, contribute with quality communication, and create a connection that builds trust and willingness.

 
The next time you head out to your horse, pause to check in with yourself and notice unhelpful, hopeful thoughts. Release anticipations. Let go of your "stories" and tension. Center your body while focusing on deep breaths, exhaling all the chaos "life" has caused you to carry.

The more we humans learn to "be" in the now with the horse, the better support and guidance we can offer, helping them to become the equine partner we've dreamed of.