*Below are my thoughts based off of another article. There is a link to the original article.
This article really hits home for me and the education I try to offer horses. I see it time and time again. A huge question - Can you have a REAL relationship/partnership with someone who is completely checked out? I know what MY answer is.
I have students that question WHY their horses spook randomly, WHY they are doing all the work (the rider), WHY their horses don't have a work ethic with them but they did with the previous owner...
We have to start asking ourselves if we are brave enough to hear what our horses have to say. If we are real enough with ourselves. If WE are "checked out". Time and time again, people do not want to truly hear what their horses think and feel - they just want to experience the ride - but - a moment in time cannot become an experience unless shared with another.
Here I strive to help horses bloom. They ALL have a voice and emotions, they all want to let us know when they are confused or frustrated. They all want us to see when they are proud of themselves and to see their huge hearts and the love they have for us. It is not about riding a machine. It is about learning to be REALLY HONEST with yourself. This is the big mirror that horses hold up to us - don't let that mirror get foggy to the truth.
- Sarah Orloff, Still Waters Equitation
Here's the link to the original article.