Hey Reader!

I hope you've made good use of your weekend and are feeling rested! 🤗

Today I thought I'd chat about the things we take for granted that we think we can do.

We sometimes don't even think about it!

We may expect to hug a child or grandchild. We don't think about their perspective. It's just a given!

Who doesn't like a nice warm hug? 🤷🏻‍♀️

...maybe them? 🤔

A horse that's not shut down will let you know pretty quickly what you are allowed to do. (I have to include that 'not shut down' condition, because a lot of horses actually are shutdown!)

I have a story about this.

If you've been reading these emails you'll know I'm preparing my young mare to carry a rider (me!) so we have been working very closely together for a very long time.

I don't take for granted, much of anything I do with her.

For instance, I don't walk boldly up to her in the pen and put a halter on her. (Where's the small talk in that? 🤔)

I go into the pen, I have the halter in my hand, I lean against the side of the pen and ask her how she is today. We spend a little time together and I begin to prepare the halter to put it on her. She walks over and offers her nose for me to put it on. It's a bit of a ritual based on the relationship we've developed.

I don't take for granted that she will be compliant about everything. She usually is though ...after awhile.

Some horse people I know would say she's not very obedient.

I'd prefer to say she has dignity and likes to think she has a little control over what happens.

I'm to the point where I've put weight on her back and have now saddled her up.

My husband was sitting in the arena and I took the saddle off her and let her go. I told him she was going to come over and sniff him but not to worry as she wouldn't hurt him.

She went over to sniff him. I told him he could offer the back of his hand for her to sniff, which he did ...but then he tried to pet her face and she pulled back (quite surprised) as if to say "We don't know one another well enough for that!" It was pretty funny and you had to see it. 😂🤣

My husband has probably seen me rub her face numerous times and thought nothing of doing that himself but that's because she and I have a relationship! It wasn't always like that. I really earned that closeness.

When it comes to our relationships with horses, children, significant others, and spouses we should never take for granted what we can just casually do.

Maybe recounting this story will help you in some way with relationships you have or are building with others!

I hope you are looking forward to a fabulous new week! 🤗

If ever you want to chat about anything, just reply to this email and let me know!

...until I hear from you, stay well and take care...

Remember, if you’ve missed previous emails (the public ones, at least), you can go here to read them.​

-Sylvia (building a relationship) Schneider

PS - Here are some handy links to information:

1. ​15 Ways Horses Can Improve Your Life​
2. ​15 Lessons Experienced Horse People Have Learned ...and Want to Help New Horse Lovers Understand!​
3. ​Are You Ready for Horse Ownership? (A Comprehensive Checklist)​

Need the 'Easy Button'? If you have a pressing concern regarding a horse or equine related matter, and you need help NOW, you might want to consult about it using this link as your 'Easy Button'.