Leadership vs Getting Along: Horses want to know who is leading, Grandma's rules

Episode 2: Today's topic walks the line between the mental idea of leadership versus the physical execution of leadership. I'm tempted to talk about the physical side of this topic, but season one is about the mental side. I want to break everything down into the four-quadrant model, so we can get clarity before we put everything together and use it. In this episode, I'll be talking about how leadership is different from just getting along and how it impacts the way we show up with our horses. Show Notes [00:54] The four square model is a really simple tool for breaking down complex problems. [01:29] In this season, I'm focusing on the rider's mind. [01:31] This episode is about the idea of leadership and how it is different from simply just getting along and how this idea impacts the way that we show up with her horses. [01:48] The interesting thing about this topic is how it walks the line between the mental idea of leadership and the physical idea of leadership. [02:22] Horses are hardwired to look for a leader. If they don't find a leader, they are compelled to step into that role. [03:13] Some horses are more mild-mannered and some are more strong-willed. [03:44] Jane shares an email about how her horse won't go around the ring. [04:27] Natural horsemanship came out with the idea that horses have emotions. If we recognize these emotions, we can use them to change the horse. [05:10] Some people have used this idea as an excuse to just "get along". [06:06] There's nothing wrong with wanting a relationship with your horse. [06:38] You can have an element of leadership in your relationship with your horse while still knowing them as who they are. [07:28] Leadership is about actually taking the responsibility inside that relationship. You are responsible for your horses safety and what happens with your horse. [08:03] An email from Amy about her new horse. [09:46] Grandma's rules. Between human relationships, there is a distinct difference between what different adults will allow. If children can determine this, so can horses. [11:12] Guilt can affect riders and what they are willing to ask for. [13:12] If a horse's state of mind is going to impact the training a lot, we have to admit that some horses are more strong-willed. [13:54] What is your first gut reaction when I say you need to be a better leader? Do you show up feeling guilty when you ask your horse to do something. [14:40] Are you trying too hard to be perfect and not giving the horse any responsibility? [15:50] Your challenge for the week is to write down one place where you have really great leadership skills and one place where you need to improve. Links and Resources: Natural Horsemanship