The 'leading' edge

As I go through my horsemanship journey, I pause to reflect on some thing called LEADERSHIP. All along the way I'm sure people have been whispering in my ear how important being a leader for my horse is. Just recently, it has truly come to fruition.

My horse, the claustiphobic, 1000 lb scaredy cat needs ME!!!! She wants me to be her leader.

She looks to me to give her confidence. To tell her "you got this"! If I don't lead, she will. Scary thought, a 1000 lb flight animal leading me! Yikes!!!

One would ask, How does a small human show leadership to 1000 lb animal?

Spend time with your horse. Learn how to communicate clearly with them. Pay attention to how many things your horse does that you don't ask it to do. In 'horsey' land their game is he who moves the other horse is the leader. How many times does your horse make you move, or how many times do you ask your horse to do something and it does something just a bit different than you asked for and you settle for that . These are areas to focus on. Next time you go out to be with your horse, take 5 minutes to place their feet, by maybe backing up 5 steps, or stepping over to the left or putting their 2 front feet over a pole and leaving their back legs behind. Allow them the opportunity to figure out what you are asking by having phases of ASK, TELL, COMMAND. Being patient yet firm to be sure you get what you are asking for. Remember the reward is the release...when your horse gives you what you are asking for release the pressure and praise, praise, praise the littlest try! This will cause your horse to want to do more for you.

Remember, keep it fun and safe. Don't drag it out real long. Enjoy the time of love, language and leadership with your horse all in equal doses.