While most of us do not like feelings associated with learning a new skill, a great deal can be achieved quickly if we remain positive. Over the many years that I have been teaching, I have noticed that the students who do the best and achieve great results quickest, are those who are able to enjoy the journey, who stay positive and try hard to look for answers. On the other hand, those that constantly say ‘ I can’t / won’t / don’t and but’ end up getting exactly what they expected - a negative result. As the old saying goes – ‘If you think you can you will, if you think you can’t you won’t. Either way you’ll be right.” It makes very little difference if you have any natural ability or none at all … the only thing that really counts is your own determination and your desire to keep trying.
In learning to be good with horses through natural horsemanship, one factor must be heeded. This is the language of the horse; a language spoken and understood by them for thousands of years. Therefore, for us to be effective in our communication with them, there is one place that we must look candidly – at ourselves. Our horse will always tell it like it is and be a direct reflection of where our skills lie. ‘A horse is like a computer; they may not do what you want but they will always do what you tell them to do.’
We encourage you to play with your horse and work on yourself. Expand your skills and build your fitness, mentally, emotionally and physically. Step outside of your comfort zone. Develop a positive, inquisitive, solutionary attitude. If we expect it from or horses it is only fair in this partnership that we also expect it from ourselves. Good luck and remember to have fun!
Read More Road To Horsemanship articles.
The Road To Horsemanship Lesson Videos
Lesson 4, Chapter 7:
- By Meredith Ransley, Quantum Savvy.