The Difficulties of Spring

The Thinking Horse Trainer 


After my earlier experiments in empowered stuff (training doesn't seem the right word),  the weather turned for the past month.  The few bright spots I spent cleaning manure with a horse day here and there.  Today is a brilliantly sunny and perfectly warm day, not too hot nor cold nor windy.  I went out and started mucking since this really needs to be done badly.  At least I think so, but the horses spend a lot of time standing on the pile where I dump the manure...

Love at the manure pile

Sleeping on the manure pile

Rolling and sleeping on the manure pile.
Why do I bother cleaning the pens? 

The horses all approached me, except Bella, one by one and in their own time.  They checked to see what I was doing, if I were giving out treats (they are polite when they ask - a sniff of pockets and hands is all) and then moved on.  Luna, however, kept coming back for scratching and attention.  Snickers kept coming back hoping for something to happen, I think.   He is so curious about what's going on, as if he might be missing something.

This is Snicker's favorite place to hang out and see what's going on

I like that they approach me and yet have this politeness too. That's new - Snickers used to push me and bite at my pockets.   He is giving me more respect now and I give him the same.  It feels almost magical how things changed from just a few encounters, how they know.  Everything in the Empowered Horses book is happening.  I see a new direction and a much easier one, too.  It happens first in your mind and intention and is translated somehow to them.  

If anyone is reading this, all I can tell you is to follow your heart and treat your horse like you would treat your best friend - literally.