From Your Horse’s Point of View

Ran across this today while browsing. Very worthwhile to pass on.

Thank you, Anne Gage!

http://confidenthorsemanship.wordpress.com/author/confidenthorsemanship/

Inspired from The 10 Commandments From a Pet’s Point of View by Stan Rawlinson, the Doglistener.

  1. My life is likely to last 20-30 years. I am a herd animal and changes in my environment are stressful.  Remember that before you buy me and move me from place to place.
  2. Give me time to understand what you want from me. I do not understand your impatience, anger, or frustration.  They frighten me.
  3. Place your trust in me and I will do my best to trust you back. Respect is earned not demanded.
  4. If you are angry with me, don’t lock me up, send me away or ignore me. I am not capable of understanding why.  If you do not maintain a friendship with me, I will choose my herd mates over you.
  5. Talk to me quietly. Even if I don’t understand your words, I understand your tone of voice. You only have to look at me to realize that.
  6. Be aware that however you treat me I’ll never forget it. If you are unkind, it will affect me forever.
  7. Don’t hit me. I can strike, kick or bite back. But I prefer not to have to do that.
  8. Before you get upset with me for being uncooperative, stubborn, or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. I may not understand. I may be in pain. I may not be getting the right foods. I may be affected by the weather. There will be a reason. Please look for it.
  9. Take care of me when I get old. Have my years of service not earned me the right to be loved, cared for, kept comfortable and given attention even when I can no longer be ridden?
  10. Make plans for my care in the event you are no longer able to look after me.  Do not leave my fate in the hands of strangers.
  11. Be with me on difficult journeys – even the final one.   Never say, “I can’t bear to watch”.  Be my partner even at the end.