Fear of Riding, Part IV: Training Your Eye, Your Feel

This is by far the hardest. Learning how to pause, slow down and tune in will help you train your eye, catch the more subtle signs of trouble, or danger.
Here are a few quotes that I thought would help you along your journey with this topic.
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” ― Benjamin Franklin
“The ability to observe without evaluating is the highest form of intelligence.”
― J. Krishnamurti
1. Education is power. The more you observe horses handling stress the easier it will be to identify physical signs of stress.
2. Experience gives you knowledge. Experience different teachers and techniques and figure out which one works best for you and your horse.
3. You need to feel what stress feels like. Don’t avoid scary situations. Learning how to prepare for the unexpected is how you will become ready. How else are you going to know what to do?
I have left out the audio in this video so you all can watch quietly, and tune into what you see. Please let me know what you perceive, or ask questions, in the comment area.

[@KingsMom831]

I really love watching you ride & how you give the horse their head. I see a horse that is more comfortable because she’s allowed to look around & not being dominated & forced into a frame. Rather, allowing her to relax when she is feeling safe, & she obviously feels safe when she has I rider that listens to her when she is trying to communicate her concerns

[@TaoofHorsemanship]

Thank you for seeing that and pointing it out!

[@KingsMom831]

@@TaoofHorsemanship it’s pretty hard to miss, If you know what to look for.😊

[@lyndahutton7068]

What a lovely trot Luvvy has!🥰

[@lyndahutton7068]

Thanks for taking me trail riding with you both xx

[@KingsMom831]

I love the storm & rain sounds ⛈

[@TaoofHorsemanship]

LOL! Thanks and great to hear! We were so stressed about it because it was so loud and lightening everywhere and we didn't have time to film again due to our filming schedule.

[@KingsMom831]

@@TaoofHorsemanship personally, I love it! I love the sounds and the whole ambience it creates. Especially love the sound of it on the barn roof there. Didn’t bother me at all. I visited Florida once and I think it rained every afternoon like clockwork and then stopped almost as quickly as it started Anyway, love me a good storm!! I think it’s all part of mindfulness practice, just trying to “observe without evaluating”

[@kimdavis2508]

Nobody does it better. 🤛

[@TaoofHorsemanship]

Wow! Thanks Kim!

[@user-md7mk7fb8g]

What I "think" I see. A horse willing to take direction A horse that is responsive to aides A horse that is relaxed. A horse that is a little distracted (understandable, it's pretty) At the walk: Hind end on the left side seems a bit stiff, like the horse is slinging his hips and stepping that hind left leg under himself toward his front right leg. Could be the camera angle, I could be wrong (I'm probably wrong) just looks a bit odd to me at the walk.

[@KingsMom831]

I seriously cannot wait to see you work with Mateo!! 😁

[@TaoofHorsemanship]

He is such an amazing personality and love. Smart too.