If your horse says no there is a reason. Either they don't understand, they are not physically able, or they are hurting. Horses don't plan to ruin your ride or ruin your day. Your job is to try to determine the why. Are you blocking them? Do they need a better explanation? What is hurting? Are they straight enough? Are they strong enough? It may take you several sessions and consultations with professionals to find the answers. I can 💯 guarantee forcing them through is not the answer. Forcing the horse takes away their voice. Forcing the horse through creates distrust because we have essentially become a bully. Pausing, walking away, coming back to the task later will get you farther in the long run. We don't have to win or show them who is boss. We aren't in competition with our horse. We aren't at war with our horse. We are on the same side. We are the ones requesting the horse participates so we are the ones that must show compassion and understanding.
Wisdom Wednesday
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