Loosen that Grip! Why control isn't always a good thing.

Horses are amazing teachers when it comes to learning about control. Many of them out weigh their two –legged friends by at least 1,000 pounds. It’s truly mind and heart over matter when working with our equine teachers.

I tend to be a control freak. I blame this on being a Virgo; however, I know that’s primarily an excuse. The other day my husband and I were taking turns giving each other "pony rides". We were taking turns leading each other around the arena while riding bareback and working on our balance. My husband led me first. He kept the lead rope loose with a little slack as he led me around on my trusty steed, Hanna. Hanna was relaxed and loose - I had a great time. Then it was my turn to lead.

I grabbed the lead rope up close to her muzzle (like I often do). I was planning to show her that while my husband lets her be in control, that doesn’t happen on my watch. Well, it took about three seconds for her to let me know she didn't appreciate my death grip by mock biting me. I say mock biting because she didn't have any intention of making contact with her teeth; she just wanted to say, “Ease up lady!” I didn't listen.

With my dominance established, I began leading my husband around. It didn't take long for Hanna to start snaking around with a nervous look in her eye. This went on for about ten minutes until my patient husband asked me to give him the lead rope to see what happened if he tried to ride without a bridle. As soon as he took the rope Hanna relaxed her neck and started to take graceful strides forward. After the ride, my husband casually mentioned that I might get better results if I took a deep breath and loosened my grip on the rope. Sure enough, he was right. I picked up Hanna's lead and gave her about 12 inches to freely move her head. She let out a long and contented sigh, as if to say, "You’re finally getting it - just relax and have fun!"

I hope the next time you feel your grip tightening, you remember to take a deep breath and welcome spontaneity of life. You are a participant in this wondrous world, not a puppet master.

Welcome - Meet the Teachers

Hello there and welcome to Animal Inspiration! We are pleased to meet you. My name is Marie. I'm the two-legged, English speaking student of Clifford the dog, Hanna the horse and Anna the cat. I started this blog to share with you the wonderful, sometimes difficult, life lessons I learn from my four legged friends. While the stars of this blog are my current animal confidants, you will also get a chance to meet friends I've lost along the way. We will cover topics such as unconditional love, friendship, loss, divorce, health, forgiveness, and just letting go and learning how to live. This may sound like a tall order for a group that can’t even spell the word “I”, but their collective wisdom just might surprise you.