If we can’t focus: how can we expect our horse to?
We want them to be focused and “on it”. Even when we’re having a wild, freestyle moment – hopefully you are still together through that. They shouldn’t be like robot soldiers… Focus is something else entirely!
Focus is something we have to bring. It needs to be worked into our daily lives. For example, I like to remind myself to not look at the ground when I walk. Always look up! Look ahead and assess where you’re heading.
You also don’t drive your car, staring at the hood or steering wheel… If you are, maybe you shouldn’t be driving that day. So lift your gaze up while you ride, and focus. Fix on an object, visualize what you’re asking your horse to do and don’t lose that vision.
There are days when I just don’t feel focused for whatever reason. Instead of struggling through and confusing and frustrating my horse, I take a walk with them. Or I go and let them graze while I think or read something or sleep.
I find that more productive than riding without the ability to look up, over and ahead and ruining what we had.