Eight of us from the team took part in a 4 hour horsemanship seminar yesterday. I was very happy to have done this because my confidence and comfort level around horses was not where I wanted it to be, considering my mother is an avid horse rider. I realized the biggest part of my uncertainty was the fact that I did not understand the animal. I did not know how to pick up on its behavior and respond correctly. Or even how to approach them properly. We were told the key, like may other things is to remain calm. (Sound familiar?) The horse can feel if you are tense or relaxed and will react accordingly.
I was paired up with this 2 year old quarter horse named Shorty, fitting eh? Him and I clicked instantly! He had so much energy he looked like he could have jumped over the fence if he wanted to. He was a bit stubborn for a couple of the exercises so I had to be assertive, relentless and show him who was in charge. Once he realized this, he was calm and cooperative. We made a pretty good team! This helped me figure out that if I get my point through and stand my ground, the horse and even people will listen and take me seriously.
The most beneficial aspect of this experience for me is I feel like I no longer have any reservations or discomfort regarding horses. I know they are not going to come bite my head off or trample me to death. They are just doing their thing and as long as I remain calm and show them I won't be pushed around, we will get along nicely.
I would like to thank Tony McKee for hosting this and teaching us these valuable lessons that can be applied to not only horsemanship, but everyday life. I really appreciated it!
See you on the mats.
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