Adjustability

Adjustability.

The pandemic has shown us that we can all be a little more flexible than we may have believed. We are constantly adapting to new rules and trying to figure out the best way forward. We’ve had trips, classes, sports and so many other things cancelled or postponed. While it’s disappointing, we are all aware that there isn’t much we can do about it. We just pick up the pieces and move forward. This adjustability is so applicable when it comes to our relationship with our horses. Some days we have a specific goal in mind but then are met with a horse who is nothing like the one we were hoping to see. They might be spooky, tired or sore; they might have stepped on a sharp rock or have been stung by a bee. They can’t use words to explain their troubles but they will tell us what we need to know if we listen and observe. Let them show you what they need. Meet the horse as it is in the moment and adjust the plan. Make it work for them, that day. What are the steps I need to make my plan attainable? Does my horse need to go for a run? Warm up on the lunge-line? Do some brain-engaging groundwork? Do they need to go for a trail ride and decompress? Or do they need to see their farrier, the chiropractor or the vet? Maybe you’ll get to the goal the same day, the next day or the next week. Either way, you don’t have to throw the plan out the window. Adjust the line of projection and allow the horse you met at the gate determine your progression. Don’t try and force them into a square hole when they are clearly having a round peg type of day. As a prey animal, horses are so hyper aware of their surroundings that they are well aware when we are in tune with them or not listening. The more we engage ourselves to be a better listener, the more our horse will tell us. Let the year 2020 be a lesson in horsemanship – Adjust. Reassess. Observe. Progress.

Until next time.