Not only are horses magnificent animals they are also wonderful, insightful teachers! I have learned so much from my horses and being around “horse people” that I have been compiling ideas about how it relates to my life/coaching practice for years.
Just the other day I was at the barn doing my daily “chores” (which are more like bliss to me!) when this thought popped into my mind…Trying to ride out a bucking horse is similar to riding out a childhood tantrum! The similarities are uncanny; they both come on very fast…half the time out of no where…or at least it feels that way! So here is where the lesson comes in. The truth is if we are acutely aware of what is happening for our horse/child there are lots of subtle signs that there might be a buck/tantrum in our future! This is probably the most important thing I have learned from my horse, stay present, always aware of surroundings, trouble shoot before things go wrong!
Now you’re saying AHA! That’s what she means by comparing a bucking horse to a childhood tantrum! Yet, just incase your not connecting the two, since many of you have probably not spent much time around horses…I will clearly break it down;
In Both Situations, You Must…
Be Present & Stay Present ~ Often we push to hard in life; we go on one last errand, we stay to long talking with friends at the park, we go to the store when everyone is tired. We all know these things are a recipe for disaster! Stay tuned in to what’s going on with your child, know their limits and know yours. It’s the same with horses ;~)
Always Aware of Your Surroundings ~ Children and Horses (well all of us) have different sensitiveness to different things that are all around us. Some of our children are highly sensitive to noise, light, smell & countless other things…like shoes and socks! If a child has been uncomfortable for too long they will have to let off their energy somewhere…often it looks like a tantrum! Stay aware!
Trouble Shoot Before Things Go Wrong ~ When you are staying aware of these critical things, you can often “rein” things in before they go wrong! Checking in with self is the number one suggestion. Knowing your own limits first then being sure you understand your child’s/horses also! If a sensitive child has to wear an uncomfortable outfit to a wedding, then it’s loud, and everything smells different…you better be prepared ahead of time to leave early.
Even I am amazed that I just got a full page of writing out of the idea that riding out a bucking horse is similar to riding out a childhood tantrum. I hope for all you none “horsy” people you can take this analogy with you in your travels and daily life with your children. Maybe it will even help you stay more in tune with your child and yourSelf. Above all else…EnJoy The Ride!
Starting this fall I will be launching my Horse/Human Workshops, to learn more about my Coaching with horses pratice Click here!
