There are strong leaders, passive leaders, dictators, feckless guides, and bullies. What kind of leader are you?

Horses appreciate a good leader. We may challenge you now and then, but we hope you’re strong enough to stand up to our testing. There are very few of us who really want to be the leader. We want YOU to lead and be in charge of keeping us safe. We relax when we’re confident that you’re taking responsibility for the both of us.

Being the leader can be tough for some people. Some humans think it’s “mean” to take charge. They think they’re being kind by letting us make our own decisions. This isn’t how horses think. If we have confidence in your strong leadership, we allow ourselves to relax. If you don’t take charge, most of us will. We’ll look for things to be wary of, which often results in spooking. If we’re the ones left in charge, we expect you to be nothing but a passenger. We may still like you, but we also lose respect for you.

One of the ways you let us know that you’re in charge is by moving our feet. In horse language, he who moves the other guy’s feet is the boss. It’s that simple. Just by taking the leadrope and asking us to step sideways a few steps, take a few steps backward, and then move out forward, you let us know that you’re in charge. Just remember that you have to be in charge when you get on our backs, too!

Are you a good leader for your horse? Do you have the tools you need to remind your horse that he is safe with you in charge? Be fair, but be firm. Be a good, clear guide. Your horse won’t resent your leadership. In fact, he craves it.

Love, Moshi

From Indy:

I have big teeth and strong jaws. I could tear a person apart if I wanted to. But I would never do that. Why? Because I also have a big, loving heart. I would never hurt my people. We’re a pack. We are family.

Being a predator, I have a different kind of mind from Moshi. Jane and Rhett are predators, too. That’s one of the reasons dogs and humans get along so well. We have an established family that depends on each other for our survival. Jane and Rhett provide food and shelter, and I provide protection and love. It’s a cooperative agreement.

Moshi is a prey animal, but he’s learned to trust some predators. He’s not afraid of me or of Jane. His experience with us gives him confidence in his safety. He’s been around humans and dogs since birth, so we’re not a big deal to him. I’ve been around Moshi all my life, so even though he’s more than ten times my size, I’m not afraid of him either.

Are there things you’re afraid of? Having someone you trust to help you can be the key to changing fear into fortune. It’s one of the reasons why it’s a great idea to have a trainer help you with your riding. Someone who’s been there can help you get there, too. Confidence is something you earn by being successful. You can’t just will confidence into being.

Are you confident that you’re going to reach your goals? If not, find someone you trust who can help you get there. A little support can make all the difference.

Love, Indy

Jane Savoie
1174 Hill St ext.
Berlin, VT 05602
Jane’s Website
DressageMentor.com