Consideration for the Horse

Our culture is rich with self-centric activities. We blog about ourselves; we socialize by posting selfies; we socialize by telling people what we’re doing every second of the day; we are driven by our own selfish desires.

What about the horse?

Have consideration for the horse.

The reins should never get in your way. It’s a good idea to practice switching them from one hand to the other. This is an excellent training exercise that does not interfere with the pace and teaches you to consider your horse’s mouth.

François Lemaire de Ruffieu, The Handbook of Riding Essentials

How often do you consciously consider your horse’s mouth? And yet we expect the horse to consciously consider his rider’s hands – by not pulling, by not being heavy or dull, by not resisting our every whim.

Horses are also beings.

You must remember that horses are also beings. They work hard. They get tired. They have likes and dislikes. They are brave or shy. They need love without being too spoiled.

François Lemaire de Ruffieu, The Handbook of Riding Essentials

Take a few moments during your work with your horse to consider him, alone. Divorce yourself from that inner voice screaming “me me me!” and let your horse be the absolute center of your attention.