BUILDING HORSE CONFIDENCE IS LIKE BUILDING A CHARACTER IN A NOVEL
Howdy Friends! For the reader to care about your character, they must know them. Writers create that bond with little baby steps of information. Huge information dumps are boring, and actually turn off readers. Sometimes permanently. I like to weave in tidbits here and there to help the reader understand why a character feels and act the way they do.
Small steps for your horse
For your horse to care about you, and understand you, we must use those same baby steps of information sharing. Horses each have different levels of how much information they can absorb at any one time. Too much, pushing them beyond their comfort level, will make them uncomfortable and take their mind off you and your attempt at communication. Sometimes building doubt and mistrust.
Tiny slices to lead the reader
Setting the stage for your reader with a combination of you character’s action in the moment, and tiny slices of where they came from, combined with hints of where you’re going to take them, all come together to create a strong, compelling character. Your reader will feel the connection and become invested in wanting to learn more.
Keep it interesting
It is exactly the same truth for your horse. Mixing in actions of the moment, or things she already knows, with tiny steps of new information, will open the door to where you want to go in a clear way that will keep her interested, involved.
A Dog Named Saturday BUILDING HORSE CONFIDENCE IS LIKE BUILDING A CHARACTER IN A NOVEL
Just as the reader will want to turn to the next page to follow your character on their quest, your horse will want to turn the page and follow you on your journey together. ~ Gitty Up, Dutch.
