Got a horseback riding problem? Here are 23 ways to solve the problem.
Admit it - you've tried at least a handful of these in your time! (So have I... trust me, I have the T-shirt for many of these "solutions"!)
I'm also quite sure you can think of many other ways to solve the problem.
The message here is not that you shouldn't try some of the strategies above. Of course we should make sure that the equipment fits the horse and there is no underlying physical problem.
We should know if our horse prefers one bit over another. Without a doubt, you might need the help of a friend or a professional throughout the course of your ownership of the horse.
But in the midst of fiddling with the small things, we end up missing out on the bigger picture:
changing ourselves.
The unfortunate part of having to develop our skills is that it takes time. The learning process is slow, strewn with mistakes and less-than-perfects, and at times, even discouraging.
In order to make a true change, we have to dig deep and change our very way of interacting with the horse.
(Click here to tweet that if you agree.)
This is not the stuff that happens in a day or two. Forget instant gratification and prepare to stay for the long haul.
We have to persevere, make mistakes, try something new. We must step out of our comfort zones and use new muscles - physically and mentally.
Aside from the physical discomfort, we have to develop our internal characteristics. We learn to let things go and to forgive both our horse and ourselves. We become more humble, less demanding and more persistent. We learn all about developmental stages, both within ourselves as well as our horses.
And perhaps most importantly, we discover what it feels like to stay the course and really struggle with something difficult, seeing our way through the problems to finally finding the solutions.
Only then do we become empowered in the understanding that if we can "find" the change we need within ourselves, the horse will reward us with a positive response.
And by that time, we will be startled to realize that the problem no longer exists!
Finally! The Ultimate Rider-Centered Program!
Ready for something completely different? If you liked what you read here, you might be interested in the Horse Listening Practice Sessions.
This is NOT a program where you watch other people's riding lessons. Start working with your horse from Day 1.
Click here to read more and to join one of the most complete programs on the Internet!
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Buy the book for many more riding tips! Horse Listening – The Book: Stepping Forward to Effective Riding
Available as an eBook or paperback.
If you enjoyed this article, you may also enjoy:
How To Be An Active Horseback Rider (a.k.a. Riding With Intention)
What You Ought to Know About Instant Gratification in Horse Riding