The human being has its own in built defence mechanisms for dealing with situations considered by our mind and often our emotions as too difficult to deal with. This mechanism is called Perceptual Defence; that is, we perceive something out of our control or realm of comfort and we blot it out. This can be a Godsend when it comes to dealing with situations that are highly traumatic, but can also put us into denial over situations that we need to deal with. Rather than deal with something difficult, our minds will block it out, the result being “I don’t have a problem with that.” Or even worse, not acknowledging it at all.
As with situations in everyday life, Perceptual Defence can lead us to dangerous situations when dealing with horses. Often you may hear your instructor saying that you need to dig a little deeper, or look harder for opposition reflex with a horse. We know they are prey animals so should have some opinion about how predators treat them. A horse that is not yet at least Level 3 or 4 that appears to have no opposition reflex, possibly has not yet had its buttons pushed. Look a little more closely and prepared for some to show itself sooner or later.
Rather than admit that something is hard or that we have a problem, many humans will deny the issue or at the very least gloss over it. It’s not enough to bury your head in the sand with issues like this. Addressing something small now in your preparation, is greatly preferable to having it come out suddenly when you are not in a good situation to deal with it, out on the trail, in traffic or in a tight spot.
Have you ever met somebody who never jumps their horse, or goes faster than a slow canter, or rides bareback, rides in company, or touches their horse’s ears? Many of these people would deny they had a problem, for some reason they just never think to do these things! It doesn’t interest them, or there is always some other reason. Choosing denial may mean that you miss the early warning signals about much larger issues. Not picking up your horses feet because he doesn’t like it may lead to someone getting kicked one day. Only ever riding forward may lead you to difficulty with lateral moves and lead changes later on. Not jumping the log may lead to a breakdown of leadership through lack of emotional fitness, that may put you and your horse in jeopardy some day.
Do you have a goal or goals in mind with horses? If not, why not? Remember fear can lead us into denial, blame, anger and chaos if we let it. Ask yourself questions and be honest with yourself. Your success may depend upon it.
Read More Road To Horsemanship articles.
- By Meredith Ransley, Quantum Savvy.