09/29/2024
Well said
Horses are a lot like 4th graders.
I know this because my wife, Bridget, is a school teacher, and over the years, I’ve gained a pretty good understanding of what it takes to make a great student-teacher relationship... and I’ve come to realize, in many ways, it’s not that much different from the horse-trainer relationship.
Horses, like students, may not always remember exactly what you taught them on a given day, but they remember how you made them feel.
They remember whether or not you encouraged them and made them feel confident about the things they have learned.
They remember if you took time to listen to them and to build a relationship with them.
They recognize our attitudes and behaviors, and they are easily influenced by the energy we put off—both positively and negatively.
Horses, like students, need space to make mistakes.
They don’t need to be micromanaged.
They don’t need to be harshly criticized when they get the wrong answer.
Instead, they need you to guide them in the right direction and be rewarded when they find the right answer.
Horses, like students, need us to take the time to help them develop their skills.
They need us to show patience and kindness.
They need us to have understanding and excellent communication.
They need us to be committed to their growth, no matter how slow or fast it may be.
Horses, like students, need us to understand that progress is not an overnight process, but rather a lifelong journey. And, while it may be a long journey, it sure is a rewarding one.
