Is my horse a machine?

When people see their horses as either a symbol of themselves or as a 'machine' to achieve their agenda, they lose genuine connection and relationship. They lose a sense of what is truly important and worthwhile. It is frequently insecurity and an unmet need inside that drives the putting of much emphasis on achieving tasks, or ribbons or praise.

The using of a living being to achieve a sense of worth or value through a superficial success. When that moment passes though, a person is often left with a sense of dissatisfaction or emptiness that then drives them to seek the next "fix". If the time is taken to look for a deeper understanding of self and the horse, a sense of real accomplishment can be discovered.

The satisfaction of seeing your horses expression change as he senses you really seeking to communicate with his mind and body...When you get a taste of what kind of softness and freedom you can experience you will get hooked! That will be what you go hunting for instead of a piece of fabric around the neck of a horse who is just going through the motions. You will start to feel what a willing engaged partner can bring!

Look at yourself and ask the tough questions. What do I really want from my involvement with horses? Do I want to grow myself emotionally? Do I actually have integrity to the horse when it comes down to my ego or need to 'look good'? The real work is within US and it is on-going....One of the first questions I ask myself in most situations, horse related or otherwise,  is "what's going on for me here"? That helps me to get aware of my state of mind, my thoughts and emotions.

Our thoughts and emotions always control our actions...the rest starts to take care of itself as when we are managing ourselves in a positive way we can truly start helping our horses and getting in time and harmony with their minds and bodies..