Howdy Friends! “Boundaries.” We are responsible for setting boundaries. Not by discipline or heavy handedness, but by simple politeness, consistency and thoughtfulness. Horses do not violate boundaries because they want to be bad, unruly or “pushy.” They violate boundaries because their caregiver never set them, politely.
I sometimes marvel at folks standing on their tiptoes, struggling, to put a halter or bridle on their horse’s high held head. There’s no need for that struggle. Take the time it takes to teach the horse to lower her head, gently and politely.
I worry when I watch someone lead their horse as it dances, prances, pushes, shoves and drags. There’s no need for that. Take the time it takes to teach the horse to walk on a loose lead, gently and politely.
I grimace when I watch someone try to mount a dancing, side stepping horse. There’s no need for that. Take the time it takes to teach the horse to stand quietly to mount, gently and politely.
I’m saddened when I watch someone yell at, and jerk the lead on their horse as it bounces around them when the person wants to stand still. There’s no need for that. Take the time it takes to teach the horse to stand quietly in its place alongside on a loose lead, gently and politely.
I’m unhappy when I watch horses crosstied to tack up. No horse is truly comfortable in a cross tie. Many crossties are even rigged so high it forces the horse into uncomfortable and damaging posture. Causing the horse to fidget, worry and fret. And then a calm respectful horse is expected after that experience. There’s no need for that. Take the time it takes to teach the horse to stand quietly in its place while we tack up, on a loose lead, gently and politely.
We are responsible to help our horses lead a stress free life. It’s easy to do. Apply the time it takes through consistency, honesty, and devotion. The absolute wrong time to “teach” a horse anything, is the moment of “we have to do this now.” Not on a group ride. Not at a show. Not at an event. We must do these things at home, in time set aside. REGULARLY. Consistently. It’s called giving to the horse. NOT expecting of the horse.
Do it for the horse. Not for you. ~ Gitty Up, Dutch.
