One of the first things most of us do every time we arrive at the yard is go and catch our horse. This might be it in the field, a smaller paddock, his stable. We go up to our horse and either halter him or touch him, hug him, rub him. Usually we do something else after that, too – depending on our agenda for the day.
The majority of horses are very compliant with this request from our part and stand still as we approach them. Others let us know in varying degrees that they are not so happy with this plan!
Some “put up”, others “speak up”!
Sometimes the only difference between the first group and the second group of horses men
tioned above is that one “puts up” and the other “speaks up”! And yes, a “puts up” horse makesfor an easier day…. but is that what we really want?
Wouldn’t we rather have a horse that is totally with us, in body and in thoughts? A horse that is 100% willing and happy to share our agenda for that day?
Catching his body or connecting with his thoughts?
So how can we tell how “willing” our horse is to be caught? Is standing still whilst we approach a true indication that our horse wants to come and play? I would like to share some excerpts of an article I wrote after a coaching call with one of my students on this subject….
It is my time to shine…. It is my turn to be brave and put myself and my beliefs out there. It is my turn to speak up for horses in spite of my fear of “social media criticism”. I am prepared to take the brunt of it knowing that I come from a place of integrity and good intention. It is time to believe in myself and give myself permission to be commended and/or critized – publicly!