There’s an idea in the horse world that anyone can get a horse to do something with enough force, the same way that you can get anyone to do anything with enough coercion. The difference is that that horse, or that person, probably won’t want to do that thing again. I do not agree with…
Tag: lessons from horses
Eye’s Up
One phrase that I find myself saying a lot when I’m teaching riding lessons is, “Eyes up!” That’s because when you’re riding, you need to be able to see where you’re going so you know that it’s safe for both you and your horse. Looking down at your horse – while a very nice view…
22 Lessons from 2022
This past year was filled with joy, laughter, and delightful newness. It was also one of deep darkness and sadness. I’ve found that when you look back on the year that’s just ended and see all of the things you’ve lived through, you’ll see a beautiful tapestry. With golden threads running alongside black ones, blues…
White-Knuckled Ride
Anyone who works with horses can tell you that it's never dull. Every day is a new adventure, and every horse is different from the last. Some horses will head out on the trail without a second thought, excited to get away from the barn and see new things. Others are more hesitant, unsure of…
God Will Provide
“God will provide,” I repeat to myself as I open up this month’s vet bill. “God will provide.” I squeeze my eyes shut to try and distract myself from the fact that this is my client’s final session with me before I send them out into the world – healing, ready… but leaving me with…
Riding Wild
I’ve been bucked off several horses during my riding career. While each instance was different, there’s one common denominator that spreads throughout the stories: the horse was uncomfortable, so they sought to get me off their back as quickly as possible. The important thing to remember (other than trying to roll when you land to…
Cotton Candy Skies & Pony Noses
We live in a fast-paced, do-it-yourself, put on your big girl pants kind of world. We rush, and we hustle, and we hurry, and we search for meaning as we run from one thing to the next. As humans, we crave connection, to know that we’re not alone and that someone out there cares for…
Tip Your Ears Back
When a horse is listening to you, they’ll tip their ears back towards you, showing you that their focus is on what you’re asking them to do and not on everything that’s going on around them. When their ears are pricked forward, it means that their attention is elsewhere, probably on something blowing in the…
Simply Katherina 