Ep 56: Taking Control of Your Perception
Perception is a powerful tool. When used correctly, it can help us overcome challenges and take on obstacles in stride. However, if we allow it to, our perception can also work against us.
One common perception that causes many trainers to get stuck has to do with a horse’s age.
It is easy to get caught up in our own perceptions of what a horse should or shouldn’t be able to do by a certain age. Or, we feel like we shouldn’t have to work on basic fundamentals after a horse turns a certain age because the horse should have “graduated” from that level by now.
In reality, a horse’s age has nothing to do with its abilities.
A horse’s abilities are nothing more than a reflection of our own knowledge as trainers.
Instead of focusing on our idea of where a horse “should be,” we need to be able to understand where our horse is right now. When we are focused on listening to our horses, they will tell us if they are weak in a fundamental area.
If a horse displays weakness in a fundamental area, this usually means that we are weak in our communication with that animal.
Whether a horse is 2 or 22, the same fundamentals will be applicable in the training process. A 22 year old horse may be able to progress more quickly through these fundamentals, but this is because the horse has had a chance to perform more repetitions of these exercises. Even if these exercises seem mundane, they are essential to maintaining a high level of understanding between horse and rider.
Never let age be the sole determining factor of your training program. Instead, focus on the level of communication you have with your horse right now, and let that determine what you work on today.
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