Some will think I let my horse defeat me? I say we both won!

ears ago when my horse napped and bulked refusing to go forward I would have forced the issue more often than not . These days I do things very differently as you will see here . Chevy had never been to this estuary and there was a lot of commotion. As we dropped down to enter the estuary there was a big manhole and a steep drop to the left . Both Frankie and Chevy were very scared and I could feel Chevies heart beat on my leg ! Some would think I let my horse beat me or get away with napping by stepping off and leading the horses over the obstacle . My take on this was that I held Chevies hand and showed him it’s ok and I’d wager next time we encounter a similar situation he will go forward for me .
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[MiriamPendleton]

It's perfectly O.K. to get off and lead your horse in scary situations. Nobody "loses". I had to dismount and walk on to a steel deck bridge - one you could see through- and jump up and down on it to show my horse it was safe. She came right along with me and on the return, walked right across with confidence.

[dove-]

Steve thankyou for putting yourself in the horse’s shoes. You showed him you understood and respected his senses and his feelings. Then as herd leader, you showed him the way. You allowed him the time and patience to be brave and to trust in you. Bless you and happy safe trails.

[patmiller]

I did the same with my horse, she said if it's safe for you then it's safe for me. There is no point in making it a battle out of anything. ❤❤

[sharonlarkin]

I respect you for getting off and showing the horse that it was safe and nothing to worry about!

[dliughrdovm]

I love the gentle and respectful way! 😘

[LynneSmith-xv]

Better to achieve in a safe way with as little stress as possible?
That was a win for all. Next time will be fine due to your approach? Enjoy your videos. Hope more people follow your kind methods.

[JanWestern]

Absolutely agree with you Steve, we would never force a frightened and beloved friend to do anything that scared them and you so rightfully 'took his hand' so to speak, by getting down and leading Chevy along to show him that all was well. Bless you for your empathy and kindness.

[louisegogel]

Learning gently is what I like the best.

[heatherchampion]

Steve, you know what it takes. Showing your horse it's safe is much better than forcing the issue. Kindness and trust succeed. Whips and abuse Fail.❤

[epona]

Btw, congrats on 100K subscribers!! Well deserved.

[tammyspurdle]

Great Steve, Chevy's trust in you unbroken. ❤
Happy New Year 🎉

[epona]

Agree win/win. I used to think it was important to "force" a horse to go [wherever]. Not anymore. The horse doesn't think less of you if you get off and lead him LOL. He doesn't think "he won". You have just avoided a lot of unnecessary stress which is good.

[barbaradurfee]

Perfect solution to show it's not so scary.

[wolfmare]

A partner, a true partnership, involves communication both ways. A mutual listening, and trusting.

[debmoye]

The farm I grew up on was 140 acres next to a 600-acre resort where I worked. If we had experienced riders we would take them on harder trails or trails that the horses didn't know or remember. It never occurred to me to stay on my horse if he/she balked at something new. I didnt have time to argue. Had to get those guests out to their dinner and back to the barn in their allotted time. 😊

[rennaehanson]

Absolutely a win-win there. I did that with my horses when they came up on something spooky.

[pam-xk]

i say, you did a fine job with your horse, building up trust together.

[sandrakarls]

Great solution!
You, as the "Leader" made the right decision! Instead of forcing her and still not getting down but more backwards, you showed her there is nothing to fear! Next time it was much more easy for her with you, Steve, on her back!
Well done!

[Gushara]

Better to do what is needed to allay the fears of the horse...it's fair and kind to them in my thinking....and no one gets hurt.!!

[voiceofreason]

As any rider knows ? Sometimes your horse will cross a river 1, 000 times, till one day they refuse to even approach it ! Maybe they can smell a dead animal on the wind that spooks them, or maybe see an animal lurking in the brush on the other side - who knows ? Nothing wrong with getting off and leading them up to it - give them that little confidence boost. Like others have said : kindness and patience more often 'wins the battle' ! :)