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[RC] Nervous--the horse's perspective - Dawn Simas
This talk about how gripping nerves and fear can be in all of us at times on trails. Not only is it not uncommon, it's called self-preservation and is probably a good thing to have, and we must just do our best to push through it.
I use this to remind myself what my horse is experiencing when they balk or get high strung about something that makes *them* nervous. A deadhead may not have the intelligence or self-preservation that I want in an animal that is carrying me. And we can help them push through their fear with gentle reassurance, a calm hand on their neck, and a relationship built on trust helps. But when I get frustrated with a horse that may spook or balk, I remind myself what it feels like and try to empathise.
Ms. Dawn Simas
Director - Wild About Cats
Wild Feline Conservation, Education, and Rescue
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