"Leader or Boss – For Your Horse"

Howdy Folks,

When I hear that old tired saw, "You need to show your horse who's boss," it gives me pause. I've never liked that approach any more than I like, "She's testing you and you can't let her win," or "You need to be the alpha mare."

"You need to be the boss," they'll say. Perhaps. But it's hard for me to wrap my head around the "boss" posture when we really want to be partners.

Kessy & me lovin' a moment

Equals? I don't know, that one I can't answer. I do know there are plenty of days Kessy is more equal than me. I also ponder the advice that you shouldn't project "human emotions" onto your horse. Really? Maybe not, but I'd rather error along those lines than be the kind of person who thinks horses don't have emotions. Or can't feel them.

Leader instead of boss? Semantics you say? I don't think so. I profess the words you think, and use, create your frame of mind and guide not only your conduct, but your emotions, feelings and attitude as well. And don't we all agree that our horses are tuned into all of them?

 Remember my post a few months back about the power of the words we use for nicknames for our horses. Even if a horse owner thinks Blockhead is a cute name for their horse, you've got to admit it makes you feel different than when you say, Handsome. Same goes for "leader" and "boss." I think.

Thinking from the boss' perspective we might be more apt to demand rather than request. Correct rather than encourage. Even if it's a subconscious, innocent thing. I remember hanging on a fence one summer day watching a respected trainer give lessons. I remember too, how many times she called out to her student who was riding her lesson horse, "make him turn," or "make him stay on the rail," always, "make him," never "ask him." That was a long time ago, but I never forgot it.

A boss perspective will have a controlling atmosphere. Rather than a guiding atmosphere. "Someone's gonna be in charge, either you or the horse," they'll say. Yet you read all over the place how you should build a partnership with your horse.

A "leading" perspective will create a true partnership. Leaders know listening is as important as speaking and allow the time it takes to accomplish the mutual goals. They allow time for understanding. Leaders can see the missteps as baby steps along the way to achieving the goal. Leaders understand each member of the team shares equal benefits, and responsibility.

Leaders offer guidance, open the way, invite cooperation, and lead by example. In my mind it's a wonderful thing to say, "You need to be your horse's leader."

Gitty Up ~ Dutch Henry 

"Feature Friday - Patti Jo Duda and the Equine Wellness Symposium"

Howdy Folks,

 

Tomorrow I'll be honored to be one of the demonstrators at the second annual Equine Wellness Symposium at the Greene County Fairgrounds in Waynesburg PA. The Symposium is a gathering of folks who are involved in helping horses have the healthiest, happiest lives possible. It's the brainstorm of Pattie Jo Duda who practices Equine Touch Therapy, a healing, holistic therapy for horses. As she worked with other peoples' horses she often thought of all the wonderful things folks offer to help horses, and their people. Those thoughts gave her the idea to bring as many of those people together and offer demonstrations for anyone who loves horses.

Anyone who has ever put together an expo, a show, or exhibit understands the complexity, hurdles and the dedication and commitment it takes to succeed. Patti Jo has that commitment, and this year the Equine Wellness Symposium proves to be a very exciting and informative event!

The fun starts Saturday at 8:00AM and runs through the day with clinics, demonstrations, talks and parades of breeds. On Sunday all the demonstrators will be available for private sessions. A wonderful touch! If you are anywhere near the Greene County Fairgrounds in Waynesburg PA you'll want to be part of the fun! Your horse endorses it!

8:00 am- "Barefoot Hoof Care" by Suzanne Warsinky of Appalachian Hoof Care. http://www.talk2thehoof.com/

8:30 am- "Reconnecting your horse to its feet" a series of relax and release exercises for your horse – Dutch Henry http://dutchhenry.blogspot.com/

9:30 am – "Trail Safety/First Aid" Robyn Yeager- https://www.facebook.com/robyn.yeager.5?fref=ts

11:00 am –"Nutrition For The Equine" Gary Sheet of Poulin Grain - http://www.poulingrain.com/

11:30 am –" Is it me or my horse?" Evon Montgomery of Horseloversguide - http://www.horseloversguide.com/

12:30 pm –"Wayfinding With Horses" Barbara Broxterman -- http://www.wayfindingwithhorses.com/ 

1:00 pm –"Holistic Veterianarian" – Dr. John C Harthorn DVM -

2:00 pm –"Advanced Whole Horse Dentistry" – Jamie Colder - http://www.advancedwholehorsedentistry.com/

2:30 pm –"Western Dressage" – Patrick King http://pkhorsemanship.com/

3:30 pm –"Overcoming your fear to ride again" Robyn Yeager

4:00 pm –"Equine Touch, body work for your horse" – Patti Jo Duda - http://www.theequinetouch.com/

5:00 pm RAFFLES!

Throughout the day there will be a few "Parades Of Breeds" too! 

A variety of vendors will be set up offering tack, supplies and other neat stuff. 

And you might track me down in case you'd like an autographed copy of "We'll Have The Summer."

Folks that's a whole lot of great exhibitors, clinicians and fun, packed into one day. Well worth the $15 admission. Have a look at the websites or Facebook pages of the demonstrators too!

Thank you Patti Jo for putting this all together!

Gitty Up ~ Dutch Henry

"And So It Grows"

Howdy Folks,

And so it grows. Isn't that a beautiful thought? I was writing to a friend last evening about all the things she's taught me that I have shared with others who have in turn then shared that knowledge with still more folks. That's what we do, isn't it? Share the good we learn.

Each time I write about birds, bird watching, wildflowers or butterflies I think of all the people who have taught me so much. Some of those dear friends are gone now, but their wisdom and knowledge goes on because we share it with each other. Funny how certain birds will make me remember friends, who the loved that bird. Our friend Annabelle, we often talk about her here in the Coffee Clutch, now in a nursing home but still insisting I call her weekly with my birding results, loves all the birds and her Cardinals best.  Pat, now gone, loved her Bluebirds. As do I. She taught me so much over the years. Sharing what she taught me about Bluebirds and many others, and wildflowers too, keeps her memory alive. And keeps the knowledge growing in wider circles.

My mentor, Diane Sept, taught me so much about horses, their health, their spirit, their ability to love, teach and heal. Each time I work with horses, my own, or horses in my "Therapy For Therapy Horses" clinics I think of her. I marvel at how she can be helping those horses and their people without ever meeting them. Her wisdom, teachings and helping reaches out through me, and the folks to whom I introduce her techniques to make their lives better. It's like ripples in a pond spreading out farther and farther. How many horses has Diane helped by teaching me? And in turn my showing others, and then they pass that knowledge on ... The horses, too, I've met who have taught me so much that can be shared, and passed on.  And so it grows.

When I think of all the good things about life I learned from my dear wife, Robbie, I can only hope to be as giving and patient as she, and pass on what she taught me about caring for, and understanding others, first. When we teach our children and grandchildren, and they grow into adulthood and in turn teach their own children things they've learned from us, about life, love and sharing the good. And so it grows.

So as you go along, give a thought every now and then to those who inspired you to become who you are, and how they, through you, are inspiring others they may never meet. That's a good thing.

And so it grows ~ Dutch Henry