Training at Cornerstone Farm is in full swing. We have a couple of really nice horses in for training right now. On the first day of working them, Sheri and I were talking about leadership vs. bossiness. We have one horse who was trained by a trainer to always be pulled into his person. When this horse struggles, he always comes right on top of you. This is not what we are looking for from our horses. We teach our horses to stay off of us, and come to us only when invited. This keeps us, and their owners, from being run over.
When we got to talking about that I was reminded of the Lord's holiness. He is set apart from the world. (Leviticus 20:26) When working with our horse we are set apart from them as well, we are holy unto the horse. God being holy doesn't mean we can't fellowship and commune with Him, for He has made a way for us. (Hebrews 4:16) Therefore, we are able to approach Him, but on His terms. Just like we want the horse to approach us, but on our terms. We don't want them approaching us with their rude behavior. That is like us entering into God's presence with our sin.
So many horses that we get in for training are desperate for leadership. They don't need someone to boss them around, pull on them, jab them, and such to get a response out of them. What they need is someone to show them the way. That is what leadership is, showing the way. That is what the Lord does for us, He shows us the way. That is what we do for the horse, we show them the way.
Where we get into trouble with our horses is when we rely on them for support in times of uncertainty. They are looking for leadership as much as you are, and if you are not going to give it to them then they will just high tail it out of there. That is where spooky horses that bolt, buck, and rear come from. Don't want your horse to be like that, then become a leader.
Are you a rider who suffers from fear or anxiety while riding? Then you need to check out our Camp Gallant, the clinic for fearful and anxious riders.
Do you need help and guidance on how to become an effective leader for your horse? Then you need to check out Boot Camp, an introduction to horsemanship and to start your journey to precision horsemanship.
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