Each student commented at one point or another that their brain hurt – and this related directly to the mind-bending these stellar ladies did, to begin a different way of thinking about and approaching the challenges we all face at times with our horses. 

It is important to note though, that this is not such a huge mountain, there is no enormously difficult climb ahead.  The challenge is much more contained:  most of us have been taught to dominate, which taps into the hunter in us. But the other side of human nature is the nurturer/gatherer.

We just need to give the hunter a rest, and bring out our other instincts. This is not so new. Pressuring a toddler to get in the car seat is not always as effective as shaping his moves and leading his mind to that sweet spot where he thinks sitting in a car seat is a grand idea! Either way, the toddler ends up in the car seat, and there might be a place for both styles of request, depending on the circumstances. In the end, the more the toddler’s moves and mind are shaped through a pleasant feel, the better the connection will be, and the more willing the child becomes for the future.  It is just a question of whether he thought he was trapped in the seat, or had an adventure climbing that led to some interesting places.