PEACE STARTS IN THIS MOMENT

Unless you have had your head buried in the sand, you are probably very aware of the chaos that seems to be swirling throughout our world this week. No - I promise this isn't going to be a political rant - but the situations of our world today have made me look out there and then want to shrink back into my quiet little corner to find some silence again.

There is one place in this world that I find the most peace. It is outside, it is in fresh air, and it revolves around the smell of hay and horse. My horses cause me to be quieter, to be more prepared, and to let go of the crazy of the world. Time with them makes me better; it makes me more human; it makes me more caring.

If I am needing a moment to stop and relax, I drift to there. I drift to being with my horses, to being in the barn, and to riding. With my horses, I know that I am the sole person responsible for the lightness of the communication. I am the one who has the CHOICE to pay attention to the smallest moment of fear or insecurity or confusion. I have the ability to become lighter and to slow down or to be clearer.

If we want the world to be more peaceful, we need to start in our own homes and with our most personal relationships. That can and SHOULD include your horses. This starts with the first moment you see your horses and proceeds through your interactions. The more aware and receptive you are to your horse's communication, the lighter the feel will be between you.

Here are some ways that you can create a more sensitive and clear communication with your horses:

• Ask your horse at the lightest phase you can clearly convey --- if you start where you WISH your communication would start, your horse will start to realize that this first message is the most important.
• If you have to make your communication LOUDER, make sure to return to your lightest, first phase. If you do this, you will make sure your horse understands and you will encourage your horse to respond to the lighter phase next time.
• If your horse answers your request with something you did not plan, do not get upset. Simply stop, rub him, and then ask again. Asking and repeating until your horse understands the correct response will ensure that your communication is soft, persistent, and polite. There is no WRONG answer for your horse, so he will start to trust that you will stay with him until he understands.
• Whenever you get frustrated or confused, simply stop and breath. This allows your horse to relax and calm down too, rather than respond in frustration, and will also allow you to gather your thoughts and start the request again with much more clarity.
• If your horse gets frustrated or confused, stop and breath (again!). Then work your way backwards in your teaching process until you find the moment where your horse is no longer braced mentally or emotionally. This allows your horse to try again and will prevent major behavior problems from even starting.
• Reward often. It sounds simple, but the more you stop and say "YES!" the more quickly your horse will learn or offer more. This also prevents you from pushing for an answer instead of waiting for your horse to take up his part of the communication.
• Be grateful. Each moment you are with your horses should be amazing. Remember to be thankful for the seconds, for the time that your horse gives you, and for the little successes you both have. It is incredible that you have the chance to be a partner with another being!

I look forward to hearing how these little tips influence your communication with your horse! If there is more peace and clarity in your relationship with your horse, then imagine how this can extend to your family or your friends. What if you could also take this out into your immediate sphere - and then the world?

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