Monday, December 29, 2008

Impatient Dandy

nodp
I've gotten into the habit of taking my camera with me when I feed the horses in the morning. Not only is the light good, but I never know what I might get to shoot.
Feeding is a training opportunity. I get to re-access my dominance over the horses - a necessary role when the next training stage begins. Here I was sitting on the bucket of feed and not letting anyone near. Dandy was confused. PJ, off in the distance, understands that she eats when I say she eats. Most of the time.
In a horse herd, it is necessary for me to be a leader - not a equal friend - a leader. Horses are not like dogs, seeking companionship. Horses are not predator animals; they are the prey and are always on the alert and seeking a leader to protect them. Many people make this mistake when they acquire a horse and think they are getting a big dog. I did it, too, with the first horses I owned.
Being the boss doesn't mean you negate a good relationship - in fact with horses, it improves it, because most of the time, that's what they want. Someone who knows what is best, will look out for them and be on the alert for them. Kinda like my relationship with God. Looking out for me.
Today was "town" day and Mike and I had 11 stops to make. Tomorrow I help a neighbor palpate cows - more on this (and possibly some really icky photos) later!
Colossians 4:
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.

1 comment:

SiLa said...

you have beautiful horses :)
their coat are so fluffy, wintry ;)