During the 2:00 group lesson everyday we, the students, are expected to learn from multiple different things. Our horse, the other horses, the instructor and the mirrors. It's difficult, but once I get into the flow of all of the commotion in the arena, I find myself multitasking and being able to listen to the other instruction being given, even when its not directed at me. Something I overheard the other day really sunk in and changed my attitude while riding.
What I heard was an explanation of the difference between teaching a horse and disciplining a horse. A lot of riders discipline rather than teach, that is, when the horse doesn't respond correctly to an aid the rider will react aggressively instead of in a forgiving way. It's somewhat equivalent to yelling at a child when they do something wrong rather than telling them what they did wrong and what is right instead. Hearing this explanation gave me a healthy dose of patience. When Stryker comes above the bit and goes behind the leg, instead of acting like he should know better and succumbing to an argument, I stay relaxed, put him into a lateral movement and let him figure out the right answer.
What I most gained from remembering that horses will always make mistakes, and a lot of them, is that we as riders have to have the patience and tools in order to correct the horse without him feeling threatened. This approach saves so much time and is so much better for the mental health of the horse during the ride. It's like what the instructors say here, to treat your horse like you would treat a child, because it really is like teaching children. They are sensitive animals and speak a language that is difficult to understand. When I can remember these things, everyone involved goes back to the barn happy, and that's the whole point.
