A good horseman doesn’t take the horses behaviour personally.
He respects the power of the animal and he supports him while he struggles to understand.
A good horseman sees where the animal is at, every time they meet, and then begins working with him from that space. The journey is not about the horseman, it’s about the horse.
A good horseman has practiced timing and because he has precise clarity about what he wants. He learns how to communicate with the horse in a language the horse understands to ask for what he wants. He makes it hard for the horse do the wrong thing and easy to do the right thing. He is clear about what he wants and he rewards good behaviour.
A good horseman knows how the horse is wired and works within that space. He understands when he is teaching and pays attention to the horse. He knows when the horse understands the lesson and when to start expecting the new knowledge to show up consistently.
A good horseman appreciates balance. The horse can’t lean on him and he can’t lean on the horse. He understands the relationship is a partnership where each one holds up his end and relies on the other, he holds the horse accountable for his part and knows the horse will do the same.
A good horseman understands his role as a leader because without his leadership they will just keep heading back to where they started…. back to the herd.
A good horseman is no different than a good human. If you treat people the same way a good horseman treats a horse, you will live a life that is rich with connection, peace, and love.