This isn’t directly about horse training, but like many life lessons it can easily be applied to horses.
I have a book on my bedside table called Grace for the Moment by Max Lucado. It has a different inspirational message for each day of the year. Today’s message really hit home with me so I thought I would share it. It talks about how change starts with each individual and how you should do what is right even if others aren’t.
Do what is right this week, whatever it is, whatever comes down the path , whatever problems and dilemmas you face- just do what’s right. Maybe no one else is doing what’s right, but you do what’s right. You be honest. You take a stand. You be true. After all, regardless of what you do, God does what is right: he saves you with his grace.
So here is my challenge for you. Do what is right. Do what is right for your horse. Be kind to him. Eliminate forceful training. Teach him to perform through kindness, respect, and love. Sure, there are many people out there using forceful training methods and seeming to get great results. It would be easy to follow in their footsteps. But what about the horse? His spirit is broken. His mind is destroyed. This is not right. There is a better way, maybe it is not so easy, but it is better. Training through patience and love will create a horse that is truly your partner.
What a difference we could make in the world if we simply do what is right.
