We live in a era of instant gratification, with so much technology at our fingertips, and many things take less time to achieve or obtain than ever before.
Learning good horsemanship is an exception to this. Despite all the technological advances, and our easy access to so much more information, horsemanship still takes time, patience and practice. There are no shortcuts or express lanes to buy your way through. It is an art you could spend a lifetime learning and still and not to know it all.
Encouraging students, particularly those who are entrenched in an instant gratification fast-moving culture, to slow things down and be relaxed and patient is a critical element to developing solid skills. Even more so for those working with young horses.
Remember it’s not about the time it takes you to get there, it’s how you get there. It’s a good excuse in a busy modern life to slow things down, breathe deeper, relax and enjoy the process. Sometimes we learn the most standing still for just a few moments.
Liz Leighton © June 2017
