There are many horse trainers that have said horse training is about working on the human rather than the horse. Even so, they rarely explain how or what you really need to work on for yourself. My intention is to address the personal characteristics that help the human in relationship to their horse.

I decided to first handle the term leader. There are 12 different definitions for this frequently used term. And I believe that there are 10000 more interpretations of the term among horsemen. The three definitions that apply to this commentary are "1). One that leads or guides 2) One in charge or in command of others 3b) One who has influence or power." The word lead has even more definitions, and it is helpful to read a few of them. "1) To show the way by going in advance 4) To guide the action or opinion of 5) To direct the performance or activites of."

No where in those definitions, including the ones I didn't list, is there mention of anything about a leader controlling those whom it leads. Yet many of us as the leader of our two member herd believe (or at least act it out even if it isn't a conscious belief) that the way to lead is by controlling our horse. This is the case because many of us confuse the role of leader with the role of a boss. So that when we practice the art of being the leader, they boss their horse around—forcing them through devices of tack. Or on the other hand they will allow their horse rule the herd as a way of avoiding being the disciplinarian, often because that feels like risking the horses love. Neither option is what the true horeman would advocate for.

What I ask here, is that you begin to pay attention to how you really interact with your horse? Do you say what you mean and mean what you say—backing up every request with an action? Do you feel anger towards your horse if it shows any sign of disobedience? Or frustration when s/he asks you if it's okay to do something different than what you suggested? When you are delivering an aide, do you do it in such a manner that it can be interpreted as a request or a demand? Do you allow for your horse to state his or her own opinion? Or have some time every day where you two simply exist together rather than working on something? There are so many more questions to ask. What I am wanting is for you to become observant of yourself. That will begin the road to leadership through awareness. And that is the true characteristic needed for becoming an outstanding horseman. Safe trails.