13/11/2022
so true
Okay, can we talk about this?
It can feel deeply embarrassing when your horse isn’t responding the way you expected, hoped for, or needed in a high pressure situation😳
The vet/farrier comes and he won’t stand for them, or even acts out dangerously.
You’re competing at a show, and he refuses an obstacle.
You’re learning at a clinic, and his anxiety is through the roof, but he’s never like that at home.
Or, you’re surrounded by people who seem to be constantly judging every move you make 👀
When your horse doesn’t do “well” it feels like a reflection on you, which can bring up shame & blame.
It can be so tempting to lash out at him, or beat yourself down 😔
It’s HARD to spend tons of time working with your horse, only to feel as though you look incompetent when it comes down to the moment of truth.
We’ve all been there. It’s disheartening & potentially triggering to feel humiliated over your horse’s behavior.
So what can you do?
Firstly, you can make a point see your horse for the sentient being that he is in that difficult moment. He has his own fears, desires, and comfort zones. If he’s struggling to do something, he’s not “bad” or doing anything “wrong.” He simply is, and you love him for who he is.
When you can approach his unwanted behavior from a place of compassion, seeing him as he is and not what you want him to be, you’ll be ready for the next step:
Take responsibility for training your horse thoroughly & ethically… WITHOUT shaming yourself when things don’t go as planned. Take the unwanted experience as feedback, and try again. Responsibility + self compassion is key🔑
Lastly, and probably the hardest part, let go of what others think of you and your horse. The pangs of embarrassment will likely come up as you work patiently through an issue with in front of others… but let the feeling pass through you.
What is happening is not wrong. It just is. When you accept that, you can move forward to something that feels infinitely better to you & your horse ♥️
If you’re looking for deep support on your journey, the Horse-Human Connection Academy (HCA) opens for enrollment this Thursday, November 10th 💫
Take a look at this page to get aallll the details about HCA, and sign up to be notified when enrollment is open: https://www.mustangmaddy.com/the-hca/
- written by MM team ✨
Photo by This Mustang Life
