Horse Learning- Mindset adjustment

 There comes a point... 

You can double down increasing pressure, severity of tack, and demanding obedience, all the while hoping "it" works...

Or, you choose to change. 

It really is that simple.

The minute you let go of self-imposed have tos, I wants, judgement and criticism (towards yourself and your horse), you begin to give yourself time and permission to learn with the horse.

Yes. Really.

Learning and retention cannot occur under stress, anticipation, fear, or when in a defensive state.

For you, or the horse.

Learning how to learn is a skill.

There is a difference between theory and real world application. Mimicking (or attempting to) what you see in someone else's behaviors or interaction with the horse, without understanding the nuances of the how, what, when, and why, leaves you offering the horse grey area communication, leading to unwanted responses and building his distrust.

Bluffing your way through equine interactions does not build your skill set or understanding of how to influence your horse first mentally, to then have reasonable, safe physical responses.

If you keep doing the same thing in the same way and getting overwhelmed by your interactions with your horse, is "it" working?

Instead, by experimenting with your adaptability and communication to address the horse standing before you here and now, changes everything.

Silencing the unasked for opinions or those that ridicule your abilities or approach, will bring you an emotional calm and mental presence to acknowledge the horse in real-time.

Instead of categorizing the unwanted responses as stubborn, bad, or naughty horse behavior, perhaps recognize that it is reflecting his mental and emotional state, and he is doing the best he can do, based on his previous human experiences.

Assess how often you've been focused on task accomplishment without first addressing if you had previously established quality "tools" in the communication offered to the horse, to help him successfully achieve what you ask, without increasing his mental anticipation or physical tension. 

Taking time to address the horse's feedback, helps him find clarity rather than tolerance, builds his trust and try.

What does the horse learn from your communication? Does the interactions increase his distrust, anticipation, and tension? How might that affect future interactions?