The thought flashes through your mind that, “Oh no! – we’re going to hit the … tree, fence, shed” and so on. And sure enough, that’s right where you finished up?
Horses will follow our focus if it is strong enough, just as surely if it is directed toward something or somewhere we do not want to be, as to somewhere we do want to be. The big problem is that we convince ourselves that we will hit the tree - so we do! - but we only hope our horse goes where we want him to when we want him to, then we get busy watching him to see if he won’t go there … and sure enough he doesn’t.
Focus is so much more than merely looking where we want to go. It’s important that we understand, that focus is also our intent and our purpose. If you are focused on going somewhere or doing something, whether that be crossing a creek, riding a circle, jumping a jump or going through a gate etc, you will do whatever it takes to get there and you will succeed. If you are only hoping and your focus is changeable and variable, chances are you won’t reach your objective.
If a horse, being a born follower that relies on the leadership of their Alpha Horse, feels your focus is not strong enough, they will test it. However once they understand that you have a strong focus and that you intend going where you want no matter what, it is amazing how light and responsive they will become. When they realise that they cannot change your focus, that it will not waver, they will start to follow it.
To have a strong focus means that your whole body is directed where you want to go. Not just your eyes, but also your shoulders, hips, legs, hands, feet and most importantly, your belly button. When your whole body is focused and intent on a direction, you will instinctively make the small adjustments you need (proprioceptive changes) to correct your horse if he comes off track. If your focus is weak, your horse will constantly test it. You’ll find yourself getting so drawn in to his challenges, that before you notice you’ll be way off course from where you wanted to be. By the time you do notice, he’ll be focused somewhere else and you’ll have a huge wrestle trying to get him back on target.
Be a great leader for your horse, stay focused on the task at hand, focus with your whole body and ride with intention and purpose.
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- By Meredith Ransley, Quantum Savvy.