Introduction
Welcome to today's session! I'm thrilled to be here with you all as we dive into an essential topic: facing our fears.
The Goal: Facing Our Fears
Today's focus is on overcoming fears, which is a crucial part of both horse training and personal growth. We might encounter some obstacles that could spook the horses, but we'll start with groundwork to build confidence.
Groundwork: The Starting Point
Before we get into any obstacles, we'll begin on the ground. Groundwork is essential as it lays the foundation for everything we do with our horses. It's not just about leading a horse; it's about communicating and establishing trust.
Leading the Horse: Adjusting Your Approach
The key here is to lead your horses while keeping them outside of your personal space, or your "bubble." This means you shouldn’t be able to touch them unless you invite them in.
To do this, give your horse a little more slack on the lead rope than you're used to. Imagine you're walking with purpose, and then, out of nowhere, you stop, turn, and ask your horse to back up.
Practicing Backing Up
Let's focus on this exercise. When you stop, your horse should back up out of your space without any physical prompting. This is a simple yet powerful task. It’s like kindergarten for horses; they only need to stay out of your space and back up on command.
Conclusion: Building Confidence Together
By working through these exercises, both you and your horse will gain confidence. Facing fears isn't just about overcoming challenges; it's about building a trusting relationship with your horse. Today is just the beginning, and I'm excited to see how far you all will go!
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