Equinefulness Reflections

 

Before Jumping on the bandwagon to criticize equine trainers, it may be a good idea to get into the arena to do the same groundwork and see what it's like. Does that feel uncomfortable? Maybe it would be a better choice to get curious before running with the stories we're telling ourselves because of the abusive experiences we have had. Horsemanship is one of the top deadliest sports and there's much more to it than just sitting on the back of a horse like a lump on a log. Is there a lot of abusive methods people use? Yes. At the same time, it is important to get curious first before judging something we wouldn't get into the arena to test our criticisms with something different. Is it scary? Of course. It's always good to have a level of fear with horses because complacency and overconfidence bias is how people get hurt. It's why I choose to wear a helmet. What others do is not my concern. I'm not making any claims or have any aspirations of being a trainer...

 

Remote coaching can be beneficial. There are some challenges and it is true it is not for everyone. However, there are several ways remote coaching can help and Warwick Schiller shared some tips and tricks from the folks that are using his online training material. Some of us that have had less than desirable experiences in the equine industry can tend to shy away from in-person interaction. This is normal and this is exponentially understandable for those with PTSD/C-PTSD when moral injury has been a part of the journey. There are all kinds of personalities in every system we are a part of and when we experience something opposite of the safe spaces we thought we would have with a certain group, it can be disenchanting, demoralizing, frustrating, and aggravating. It's okay that we feel that way and those feelings are valid and real. It is also important to check the stories we can be telling ourselves as a result of that experience. Were there expectations of catering to the group...

 

 About trust?      Trust is a two-way street. Our herd is forging a pathway on the #HighwayToMore in 2024 with safety, trust, attunement, and adventures to do cool things and meet new people.

Listening to Buck Brannaman and several others talk about yielding the hindquarters, I believe this is an important skill for horses to have. Some people may beg to differ and that is fine. Personal space and yielding to pressure is important.  Hubby has been watching me much closer than I thought. We don't have any pictures from today. We were more focused on introducing Moe and Howdy to each other and spending some time together as a herd.