As many of you know I have been working on writing a book this winter. I have learned even more by writing things down. It is helping me to realize what was in my head, what I do know, and what I don't know. This has forced me to do more research and experiment even more. As I go through this process I keep getting reminded of how challenging and humbling it is for anyone to become good with horses.
I have also been thinking back about every teacher I have studied with. In doing so I realized each one had an important piece of the puzzle. None had all the answers and none were perfect or wrong. But each teacher whether horse or human offered a unique perspective which guided and influenced my personal experience and understanding. I also became aware that all I can do is pass along the important concepts I have gained from each one of these great teachers, along with my own insights. It is the way I present the information that makes it unique not the knowledge itself.
No matter how good our teachers are, or how many horsey friends we have, ultimately the horsemanship journey is one that is taken alone. It is the many hours in the corral spent alone with our horse that turns us into savvy horsemen or women. It is our individual responsibility to learn as much as we can and be the best we can be for our horse. This journey is so personal. There is something very special which happens between each horse and rider.
Every horse we encounter offers an important challenge to us. If we are open to these challenges, they will be the perfect catalyst to teach us what we need to learn at that particular time in our journey. It is only because we choose to face the challenges that the right teacher then appears. When the puzzle pieces begin to fit together, it is only for the love of horses we remain willing to learn.
Some horses have a way of pointing out our weaknesses on a regular basis and keep reminding us to stay humble. I do believe some horses were put on this planet to make sure we get it right some day. It is the ones that are our toughest most honest teachers who cause us to change the most and become better horsemen.
I believe if we always have in the back of our mind that our horse is for sale, we may struggle a bit more with him, then a horse we are committed to keep forever. You may find when you finally promised to never try to sell him again the progress you make will begin to change. The importance of trust, love and commitment to the relationship with a horse can make all the difference. I had lots of people offer to buy Cisco this weekend at the Expo and some even begged. But he is not for sale for any price! I know to some people that is dumb, but it is my commitment to him.
I'm not saying you should never sell a horse. I'm just giving you some thoughts to ponder on how deep your relationship is with your horse. It can't be very deep if you are always on the lookout for a new home for him. It doesn't mean you have to have that kind of deep relationship with every horse you own. But it is something to consider, because your horse can read you so well. Your intentions and attitudes do matter. Remember the kind of feeling you got as a kid when you just wanted to be at the barn even if you didn¹t have a lesson or work to do there. You just wanted to hang out with your horse. No kid wants to sell their horse.
As I am writing in my book about rider¹s becoming more observant, more attentive,
better role models and leaders I realized that I still sometimes get too agenda driven. I never want to forget to take the time to really observe what is important to my horses. From them I have trust and respect. But do I really know their loves and what they want? Do I have their loyalty?
Even though we have provided the very best physical care for our horses, I am starting to see there is no substitute for my time. My presence in their lives as part of their herd is important as well. The last week I have been hanging out a lot more with my horses as someone who loves them just as much as they love me. We don't always have to be training, we can just enjoy. This is a very valuable lesson. And it's a great time of year to do just that, because it is warming up and they all need their winter coat brushed out. What an enjoyable way to spend a sunny spring day.
By Sherry Jarvis
