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Sanctuary Stables

Think Like A Horse, Not An Ass

Introduction:

Have you ever heard the phrase “think like a horse, not like an ass?” It’s a simple yet profound concept that can make a big difference in how we approach life situations. To put it simply, it means to adopt the characteristics of a horse, such as patience, mindfulness, and empathy, rather than those of a stubborn or impulsive ass. In this article, we will explore the importance of understanding the difference between these mindsets and how it can impact our relationships, career, and personal growth.

Thinking Like an Ass:

Thinking like an ass typically involves traits such as stubbornness, impulsiveness, and aggression. While these characteristics may sometimes appear to be useful in achieving our goals, they can often lead to negative outcomes in the long run. For example, stubbornness can lead to an unwillingness to compromise or consider alternative perspectives, ultimately hindering progress in relationships or professional situations. Impulsiveness can lead to rash decisions that we later regret, and aggression can damage our relationships with others.

Thinking Like a Horse:

Thinking like a horse involves characteristics such as patience, mindfulness, and empathy. These traits can lead to better outcomes in various aspects of life. For example, practicing patience can help us better manage stress and anxiety, as well as improve our relationships by allowing us to be more understanding and considerate of others. Mindfulness can help us stay focused and present in the moment, improving our overall well-being and reducing negative thoughts and emotions. Empathy can help us better connect with others and build stronger relationships based on mutual understanding and compassion.

Practical Tips to Think Like a Horse:

To cultivate the traits of thinking like a horse, it’s important to practice mindfulness, patience, and empathy on a regular basis. Here are some practical tips to help you get started:

Mindfulness Exercises:

  1. Observe Your Horse: Take a few minutes to observe your horse’s behavior, body language, and mood. This can help you become more attuned to your horse’s needs and emotions.
  2. Practice Deep Breathing: When working with a horse, take a few deep breaths to help calm your mind and body. This can help you stay present in the moment and increase awareness of your surroundings.
  3. Focus on Your Senses: Pay attention to what you see, hear, smell, and feel when working with your horse. This can help you stay in the present moment and increase your connection with your horse.

Patience Exercises:

  1. Practice Groundwork: Take time to practice groundwork exercises with your horse, such as lunging or leading. This can help you build patience and improve your horse’s responsiveness.
  2. Take it Slow: When working with your horse, take time to move slowly and deliberately. This can help build trust and increase your horse’s comfort level.
  3. Practice Relaxation Techniques: When feeling frustrated or impatient, take a few deep breaths or practice a relaxation technique like visualization or meditation. This can help you stay calm and patient when working with your horse.

Empathy Exercises:

  1. Connect with Your Horse: Spend time bonding with your horse by grooming, petting, or simply spending time in their presence. This can help increase your empathy and understanding of your horse’s needs.
  2. Learn Your Horse’s Language: Take time to learn your horse’s body language and behavior. This can help you better understand their needs and emotions.
  3. Practice Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement, such as treats or praise, to reward your horse for good behavior. This can help build a stronger bond between you and your horse and increase empathy and trust.

By practicing these exercises regularly, readers can cultivate the traits of mindfulness, patience, empathy, and other beneficial traits when working with a horse. This can ultimately lead to a stronger and more fulfilling relationship with their horse, as well as better outcomes in other aspects of life.

Instructors Best Practices 

If you are a riding instructor or trainer, here are some specific examples and exercises that you can use to help your students practice mindfulness, patience, empathy, and other beneficial traits when working with a horse:

Mindfulness Exercises:

  1. Horse Observation: Encourage your students to take a few minutes to observe the horse’s behavior, body language, and mood before approaching and working with them. This can help them become more attuned to the horse’s needs and emotions.
  2. Breathing Techniques: Teach your students breathing techniques, such as deep breathing, to help calm their mind and body. This can help them stay present in the moment and increase awareness of their surroundings.
  3. Mindful Riding: Encourage your students to focus on their senses when riding, such as the feeling of the horse’s movement or the sound of their hooves. This can help them stay in the present moment and increase their connection with the horse.

Patience Exercises:

  1. Groundwork Exercises: Incorporate groundwork exercises into your lessons, such as lunging or leading, to help your students build patience and improve their horse’s responsiveness.
  2. Slow Movement: Encourage your students to take their time when working with the horse, moving slowly and deliberately. This can help build trust and increase the horse’s comfort level.
  3. Relaxation Techniques: Teach your students relaxation techniques like visualization or meditation to help them stay calm and patient when working with a horse.

Empathy Exercises:

  1. Horse Bonding: Encourage your students to spend time bonding with the horse, such as grooming or spending time in their presence. This can help increase their empathy and understanding of the horse’s needs.
  2. Horse Communication: Teach your students how to read the horse’s body language and behavior. This can help them better understand the horse’s needs and emotions.
  3. Positive Reinforcement: Encourage your students to use positive reinforcement, such as treats or praise, to reward the horse for good behavior. This can help build a stronger bond between the horse and rider and increase empathy and trust.

By incorporating these exercises into your lessons, you can help your students cultivate the traits of mindfulness, patience, empathy, and other beneficial traits when working with a horse. This can ultimately lead to better outcomes in their riding and a stronger and more fulfilling relationship with their horse.

Conclusion:

Thinking like a horse, rather than an ass, involves adopting the characteristics of patience, mindfulness, and empathy. While traits such as stubbornness, impulsiveness, and aggression may seem useful in certain situations, they can ultimately hinder progress and lead to negative outcomes. By practicing the mindset of thinking like a horse, we can improve our relationships, career, and personal growth. So, let’s all take a deep breath, slow down, and start thinking like a horse.