Confidence is not something horses are born with. In fact, I think horses can be the one breed of animal that was born a coward. Oh that’s not to say they are not curious, or gregarious. They are, but when push comes to shove, they will usually run away, kicking.
Horses learn how to be confident in the humans world. They learn through repeation. They learn with us, how to be un-afraid. That is not something that is easy for them, it is not something that comes naturally to them. They are not in the habit of trusting the human.
Yet, it just cant come from us on the ground, it needs to come from us on their backs. Riding them through hazards or issues that cause them concern. Helping to ground them, helping them over-come the fear.
This weekend was a learning experience that way for me. My colt Marshal was having issues, he was in a new surrounding, the wind was blowing, we have worked limited, Basically he had plenty of air under his hooves. Yet I know, I knew that I had to ride him, had to help him get his head on, get centered. It took about 2 hours of riding around, but then he came too, he relaxed. It took awhile.
It was hard for me, knowing what I know about him. He is a bucker. I always have this in the back of my head. I am riding the buck better, but I know its there. Not like Phooka, who just likes to take off with me, no.. Marshal is a bucker. Plus I have less miles with Marshal, he is not $100 bet yet, Phooka is, but not Marshal.
Yet I know each time we work through something that is hard for me, and we are successful, I know he will be more solid. I know he will improve. I know I will improve.
Though sometimes its hard jumping out of that plane!
Let er’Buck!
LW
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