Start Asking Why
Start. Asking. WHY.
Some take questions offensively due to a possible lack of respect & feeling questioned of credibility. This isn’t questioning anything, but coming from a place of intent to learn.
If your chosen professional cannot explain WHY you should be doing something a certain way, you may want to walk away. This is an indication they do not know and cannot prove the motives they believe in.
If someone explains things as “well this is how it’s always done”, do you think they’ll ever have an open mind to different outlooks, possibly from the student viewpoint or better yet, our horses’?
EVERYONE is a student at one time or another. BUT we should ALL continue to strive to be better & have an intent to learn behind any motive, student & professional alike. If someone takes offense to the question of WHY - they likely don’t know or have ulterior motives.
It is all a matter of mindset. Good students ask questions & good professionals answer them with a plethora of reasons. This goes for all things in life, not just in the equine world.
Example:
Q: “Lexi, why do you want me to brush your horse after my lesson?”
A: “Well student, horses enjoy being brushed. It’s a sort of reward they can always look forward to at the end of a ride. It also allows us to check over their body again to ensure our ride didn’t cause any sort of pain & reflect on what we & the horse did together & what we should work on in the future.”
What does all this mean?
A student asking why is one who wants to understand at a deeper level & build on it. Dig the basement before framing the house.
Professionals best not teach if they cannot explain why in depth.
People take advantage of gullible students, don’t be one of them.
Have the mindset of always digging deeper so you can implement positive change where you see fit.
Get a feel for people who only take & never give & avoid them.
Train your eye to see what the horses feel through their body language.
People replying to questions with, “well it’s been done like this for years!” is not an acceptable answer anymore. We can do better & there is ample research to back it up.
Find a reputable horseman that can help you actually understand these amazing animals. We should strive for a partnership with them, never a dictatorship. Better yet, surround yourself with like-minded people who ensure your are on the best path you can be. People who will build you up, people who are not afraid to grow with you.
A trainer can get a horse to do things, but a horseman will ensure his horse enjoys it.
Be kind & fair to your horse by always understanding what’s best for them before yourself. Find a partnership with them. I am always here to help.
- LR
