03/05/2023
When I hear someone talking about a horse or a cow being stupid; I figure it’s a sure sign that the animal has somehow outfoxed them. -Tom Dorrance
Let’s talk about the human ego, has there ever been anything more detrimental to a horse than a person who thinks they know it all?
On the other hand Horses DO need a confident leader, even the brokest most confident horse in the world under an unconfident rider will begin to develop problems, Let this go on long enough and you’ve now got a “problem horse”
The reverse is also true, an ego ridden “yanking and spanking” type of rider, (just the same as the unconfident rider) can probably get along on a broke gentle horse for a while, but eventually the lack of respectful communication will become reciprocated, and suddenly wouldn’t you know it another “problem horse”
A horses role as a herd animal is to be a follower,
When they decide you are not a fit leader they take on the role themselves, you must be the “boss” but you must also feel and listen, it’s a balance.
the horse has no ego, it is the human ego that personifies the horse to make excuses for itself: the horse is stupid, the horse is buddy sour, the horse is “watchy” or “stubborn” the list goes on, these horses are showing you where you need to improve as a horseman, it’s your job as a horseman to listen!
