Over and over again, we see it. Not just us folk in rescue, but us “horse folk” anywhere. . .
And to be fair, none of us are immune to it; therefore, at some point, we are all part of the problem.
That is the “Not me, but everyone else” philosophy.
We write often about the need for real introspection on what you know, fairness in judgement of your abilities for the sake of the horse, not blaming the horse, realizing your limitations, seeking training and education and making horsemanship a goal, and while people agree over and over, they will turn around, point out how others are failing and continue happily (gloating) in their own failure. . .
The issue is, on the other side, those people you pointed at are also ignoring their issues and looking at yours (because there are some.)
Always (but ALWAYS). . .this is to the detriment of their own horse(s).
Understanding our egos get in the way of making more, instead of ruining, good horses is paramount. And realizing how we frequently point a finger at others for the same things we do is the next step. It is, unfortunately, the step people fail to take most.
We are afraid to be fair with ourselves because it means admitting. . .we don’t know enough. But everyone knows none of us know enough, friends. That isn’t a failure. . .not working to identify and fix the deficits is the failure.
It is one thing to admit horses get handled poorly, receive mediocre foundations, are sold to buyers who don’t pursue training and so forth, but it is another to admit we are all here doing something that could be performed better if we just would.
We will not see the holes in our own work with horses, even though so much progress can be made by doing it. We will point at someone else doing something wrong, and ignore that those around us know we are guilty of the same or worse
Everyone wants to share the “right way” to do it, but few want to take a hard look at their failings (because somewhere, we all are), talk about the issues and fix them for themselves or their horses.
We often and very flatly do not want to be told anything we are doing need improvement.
But then. . .
Sometimes, thankfully, it all clicks, where a person doesn’t blame the horse, sticks to a course to become a better horse person and beautiful things happen! We need more of that, ya’ll. It will turn the horse world around and save more horses than anything else.
So in ending, I’d like to ask you to look at yourself and your real abilities, and chime in with an area YOU know you need improvement on for the sake of your horse.
“I’m still on the move, I’m getting better because I’m still studying. I still want to be a better horseman.”
Heart of Phoenix is a partner of The Right Horse, and our goal is to massively increase the number of successful horse adoptions in the United States by working together to reframe the adoption conversation about ADOPTABLE horses in transition. As partners of the #RIGHTHORSE, we know sharing these stories helps spread the word about adoption!
