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The Shaggy Horse Show in Curtis on April 22nd was not very shaggy. Most of the horses were quite slick, shaved and nicely groomed. My horse Cisco looked like a wild mustang with his long guard hairs still attached. I didn't shave him anywhere because I like the clean & natural look. So I brushed him well, gave him a cookie and a hug knowing he would show his cute horsinality off to the crowd. I knew they probably wouldn't notice his long hair once he began to bless their hearts.
As usual he started our demo by checking out the crowd, forgetting about me momentarily. Then he hooked on to me and was a willing and eager partner. I love playing with him. He didn't let me down even though I'd only played with him once for about an hour since the NE Horse Expo over a month ago. I have been busy bringing along my next demo horse and a couple of more challenging but fun horses.
During the demo I emphasized how communication, an independent seat and body language will improve success in the show ring. I encouraged everyone to explore new ways of thinking and directing their horse. I tried to present a picture of harmony with fun.
After the demo one man commented, "You sure were having fun out there!" He was right! I was having a blast and so was Cisco. Isn't that what it's all about? If you're not having fun, then why do you own horses?
Very few horse owners make money with them. To most it is a financial drain. Then why do we own them? The answer has to be a simple 3-letter word FUN!!!!!!!!
Some people may have horses for the sense of adventure, because it can be very risky. Maybe they love the thrill of an adrenaline high.
Some people may have them for the competition. Maybe they love the thrill of the win.
Some people may have them for social reasons. Maybe they love the comradery with other horse lovers.
Still others may use them for work, but they are definitely the minority these days.
In the past horses were a symbol of wealth and prestige. Some people may still think this way.
However, most of the horse owners I know, sacrifice a lot in order to have one of these beautiful creatures in their life. And most of us can't have "only one!" Yes, it is addicting! Face it we are a bunch of horse addicts.
As I carefully observed these horse addicted people at the show, I discovered how many of them were frustrated. I could see their horses were even more frustrated. A few kids were to the point of tears because they couldn't communicate their desires to their horse. More than one person told me about the fights they had with their horse. I heard over and over about all the horse problems they were having. Then I listened to the typical stories about wrecks, injuries and destroyed confidence.
Whoever thought frustration, tears, fighting, problems and wrecks are fun?
Not one single person mentioned to me they were having the time of their life. I'm sure there were some participants who were having real fun. Maybe I'm just not serious enough. Maybe I want to have too much fun. NAH! There is no such thing.
Please don't think I am putting down any of these people who I saw experience frustration and fights. In fact, it is the opposite. I feel broken hearted for all who have frustration, fears, problems, fights, wrecks and injuries. These are real issues. But the good new is there are real solutions available which might be even better and easier than you expect.
I feel badly for the horses when I see these issues because the horse is suffering unnecessarily. It is easy to blame the horse for our poor performance. But most of the time the horse is not being mean, stubborn or naughty. They just plain don't understand what the human wants or they are nervous, afraid or unconfident. It seems to be a vicious cycle. When the horse doesn't understand and respond properly, the human gets frustrated, and the more the human gets frustrated the more the horse doesn't understand.
I want every person reading this to know that I understand.
I have been frustrated to the point of tears.
I have fought with horses.
I have had wrecks and injuries.
I have wanted to win without consideration of my horses needs.
I have loved the adrenaline high of riding a dangerous horse.
I have used horses to work and to satisfy my own ego.
I have blamed my horse for my poor performance.
I have thought my horse was mean, naughty, stubborn, or stupid.
But all of these things are part of my past. I'm not saying that I have arrived and I am perfect. I am saying that I have found a better way that works because I have discovered answers to all of the above issues.
I have found a way to communicate effectively without frustration and fights. The horse problems I once accepted as normal are now gone, because I have strategies to positively deal with each one.
As I reflect on my lifetime of horse experiences I realize I have never had more fun that now! I am having the time of my life! My horses have never been more willing and relaxed. Sometimes it even surprises me.
The last time I was frustrated with a horse was six years ago. That was before I began a study of horse psychology, which gave me a deeper understanding of why I was having the problems, which lead to frustration. It was before I acknowledged it was me who needed to change. It was before I was willing to admit that I was the problem not the horse.
I so wish I could wave a magic wand over horse lovers to make their problems disappear. I wish I could have helped those kids I saw in tears and those who thought they had to fight with their horse to get things done their way. I wish I could have touched each frustrated horse in a way to bring them comfort. I wish I could have hugged each person who was trying so hard to do their best and tell them how special they are.
However, all I could do was listen empathetically to their stories, and do my demo with compassion and enthusiasm showing equal does of love and leadership.
I hope Cisco touched horse addicts of all kinds with his confident horsinality. If we inspire people to have more fun, then we accomplished a great deal and my wishes may come true. I may get the opportunity to help many people discover more about horses so they have even better success and fun!
It gives me great joy to see more and more people progressing toward having more fun with their horses, feeling safer and experiencing even better harmony.
You may be one of those horse addicts who experience very few frustrations with your horse. I am truly happy for you. For you I have one last question to ponder. You may be having fun with your horse.
But ask yourself - "Is my horse having fun with me?"
I'm not always sure about this myself. But at least I'm becoming more aware of it each day, and I know how to change it.
Do you?
Happy Trails,
Sherry Jarvis
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