Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Dominance vs Confidence

A horse's safety is his number one concern. Therefore to win his focus, you must first win his trust. This is easily mistaken as a need to dominate his nature, but that is completely contrary to your goal.
Trust is not given to the angrier and loudest member of the herd, but to he whom has the greatest control of their own actions. Patience, discipline and empathy create the safest leader. One who can control, calculate and act rationally in times of panic are the most trustworthy. They are the leaders who take care of the herd, and not just themselves.
To win a horse's trust, you must convince him that you are that leader. Calm, quiet, assertive and persistent, but also compassionate and caring.
A lead mare is the one who drives a disobedient colt away, but is also the first to welcome him back and show her care for him with attention and grooming.
Too often people attribute dominance and control onto their horses, and end up losing the vitality of trust needed. It is the one who walks away without a vengence who will hear hooves following them, not the one with hidden intentions to strike again when the opportunity arises.

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