What I’ve Learned From Horses

 

 

Spend most of your time in the present moment

No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care

Relationships come first

Love covers a multitude of sins

Seek Peace

God is magnificent, powerful, splendid and full of grace

Forgive, forgive, forgive

Keep trying until you get it right and when you do the situation around you will change to reflect that

Listening is crucial

Patience

Timing is not up to me

Flexibility: plans are good, but often need to be modified to fit the situation

Everyone has something to teach you if you’re willing to pay attention

Enjoy the journey- it’s the best part

Partnership is better than dictatorship

The journey may be difficult but it’s worth every tear and hard work

Real conversation includes sharing ideas: both listening and talking

Partnership involves giving and taking; it’s both 50% and 100% at any given moment

You must invest 100% of yourself in relationships, conversations, and working toward goals.  If you are distracted you will get poor results.

Emotional fitness.  Be present, find peace, and love.

Whispering usually gets better results than yelling, and suggesting than demanding

Being egocentric will keep you stuck.  If you want to grow and move forward you must move beyond yourself.

There is a balance in taking care of others while taking care of your own needs.

Leadership is important, but is not to be confused with dictatorship.  Leadership must be earned and accepted to work well.

Trust is a gift to cherish and nurture.

Compassion will bring out the best in everyone.

Your attitude is often mirrored by those around you.

Your energy is palpable and influences others.

You can lead those around to peace or to anxiety and confusion

If you want to draw others in then you first need to center yourself.

What you do matters.  How you do it matters more, and why you do it matters most.

Let go—don’t hold grudges.  But, be smart about protecting yourself also.  Don’t put yourself in situations that you know will likely hurt you.

Be aware of everyone around you.

Be compassionate.  Offer comfort and help to those in need.

Be fair. 

Be consistent.

Be clear.

Often, a look is all you need to give someone to change their behavior.

Be as gentle as possible and as firm as necessary.

Begin by giving others the benefit of the doubt.

Protect your herd.

Have fun and play hard!

When possible, make learning situations into a game.  Teach through play.

Respect others’ boundaries and thresholds.

Everyone is starting from a different place and learns at different speeds.  Start with them wherever they are and go their speed.

Greet strangers as potential new friends

Treat your herd like family and stick with them

When one of your herd members is sick or injured share the responsibility of encouraging and keeping them company with the herd. 

Most people are more sensitive than they appear and everyone appreciates kindness

Usually the most difficult ones are the most fearful ones. 

If you take the time it takes (to earn trust, confidence, and teach a new skill) it takes less time (in the long run)

The direct path is not always the best path

Expect a lot, accept a little, and reward often

Think positive thoughts. 

Be progressive.

If you want others to be enthusiastic, you must approach them with enthusiasm.

Lack of clarity builds frustration

There is a solution to every problem.

God is in each of us

Love casts out fear.

Healing is possible in the presence of a loving herd.

It takes a community to raise a child.

Leadership is meant to be challenged, and then obeyed.

With a great partner you can achieve more than double what you can on your own.

Live in community.

There is strength in numbers.

Be ready for whatever may come next.

Keep your curiosity and try new things when there’s an opportunity

Give 100% to those you love

When a friend returns after being away, greet them with warm enthusiasm

When you’re scared, run it off

Find someone you believe in, then stick by them

We are all connected to each other

Plant seeds, then nurture their growth

Always use compassion