Leadership: Nature's Way

Nature’s Way: Every Herd Needs A Leader

It is THE LAW of nature that every herd needs a leader.  If you and your horse are together, then there must be a leader and that leader had best be you.  There is  always what we call “testing” by a horse.  What he is actually doing every single time he tests you is actually checking out who is the leader of the herd.  Since it is you and him  together, you have a herd of two. 

If you allow him to ignore you or do his own thing, he is then the leader.  This is not a good position for you and soon you will have a rambunctious, and possible dangerous horse on your hands.  You will not trust him because he does not trust you.  

Tiffy - the leader of our herd

                  Adventure Horse Riding in NYS            Smilla13@gmail.com  (Mary Dixon)                                                                            www.RideNYS.com

Tip # 108 Helmets

                          4/08/14         Helmets

Occasionally we receive flak or really snotty comments from folks that notice some of our guests ride without helmets.  These people think it is appalling that we do not insist on helmets and some are very vocal and/or downright nasty about it.

Now, I am not stupid.  I am very aware of how dangerous horse riding can be and more often than not I wear a helmet.  I don't every time.  I also would prefer it that our guests wear helmets.

 BUT I am a strong believer in allowing adults to make their own decisions when it comes to helmets, safety vests, political affiliation, religious and political beliefs, sports participation, etc. As far as I am concerned we have way too much gov't interference and political correctness in our lives today. I can't stand it. And, I can't stand "well-meaning folks telling me what to do and I do not intend to be one of those obnoxious people to tell you what to do.    

with

without

Adventure Horse Riding in NYS            Smilla13@gmail.com  (Mary Dixon)         www.RideNYS.com

Tip #17: Horse People and OK

Many horse riders often tell you that you are doing something wrong - bad saddle placement, too tight or loose placement of a bit, girth too tight or too loose, should have leather/synthetic saddle instead, need a breast collar, too rigid a seat, too sloppy a seat, reins too loose or reins too tight, feet incorrectly positioned, the whole helmet thing, improper cueing, too strict or not strict enough with your horse,  - well, there is just no end to it.

I am pretty sure most of you have been there.

When someone - as in many - would give me advice about what I was doing "wrong", I'd try to explain why I did certain actions.  That didn't work very well at all - the discussion  often  ended up as a debate similar to the ones you have when you talk politics or religion.  There really is no way you are going to change their mind or you theirs.  Seems to be the nature of the beast.  OR, you think everyone on a horse knows more than you so you think they are always  right and you must always be wrong.

Each of us have different opinions and certain things work well for us and/or out little darling,  but not necessarily for someone else. 

What is the solution?    Just say "okay" or "thank you" with a nice smile and go your own way and do your own thing.  They can't argue with that .

Listen and then decide for yourself if the point is valid.  And, only you know your own little darling and how best to attend to  his/her needs and comfort - no one else really does.  So simply listen and make your own decisions.

Okay ?  Thank you !

Adventure Horse Riding in NYS          RideNYS.com