A dozen what? donuts? nope the last thing I need is that. This am I was looking at Woodrow as I was putting him in his feeding pen and it struck me, if I had a dozen horses 'like' him I would be in heaven. How so? Foundation work...

I was strolling along this am thinking about how the foundations we set with horses last a lifetime when they are followed up on, checked for updates/brush ups and established with patience, kindness and natural horsemanship.

I 'hear' of so many lately talking about 'we waz gonna break that horse' and the list is endless. Every time I hear that word I cringe. "break". ""Break what?"" is what I want to auto response say when they spout that word out like it is the best way to describe what they are doing. Breaking their spirit? Breaking their body? Breaking their minds? Thats about it rolled into a nut shell. I see so many of those 'cowboy broke' horses out there that some fella is standing over so proudly. There isn't enough money or tea in China that someone could give me to own one of those horses personally. 

Why do I feel that way? After watching so many of those horses they are like to me--now mind you this is just MY opinion and I don't expect others to think or feel this way, that are like ticking time bombs. The first thing I see is something that I would never know when, why or how it would blow up. I try to impress on the kids here that work with the horses about building a bonding relationship with the horses. How a horse that works with you would go to any lengths to please you let alone protect you. Anyone can 'break' the will of something. There is always a point of surrender. Human or animal.

I see horses like Woodrow that are so responsive to the slightest cue. It makes me wish I knew who trained him. Who spent the countless hours and days teaching this horse to be the way he is. He is a true joy to be around. his calm reserve makes me feel peaceful. He is a true leader in the sense of the word. He needs no bullying tactics in the pasture, he just exudes an aura that the horses follow.

RT