There is a lot of discussion and lecturing about the use of energy when working with horses. Energy is certainly a factor in being an effective rider. But energy in itself does not tell a horse what to do or how to do it.
Many years ago, a friend asked me to start a pony that was to eventually be ridden by her five-year-old daughter. The pony was a very sweet and smart six-year-old, eleven-hand gelding – as cute a pony as you could ever wish to own.
But, she is not like a Ferrari. She isn’t super sensitive. She isn’t lazy. She isn’t spooky or rushy or dull. She can be all those things, but they are not who she is. They are who I made her through my training and our shared experiences together.
Today’s essay is not particularly mind-blowing or educational. Thinking about my friend Luke got me in the mood to talk about personal growth and horses.
