Here’s a fun game... See if you can answer these nine questions. Each, almost identical scenario, offers the same three possible answers. Notice how each scenario presents a different possible solution. This demonstrates the value of nuance in training, making room for expanding our knowledge rather than getting stuck on "right and wrong," thinking.

Scenario 1. You're lunging a new horse. It's his first time saddled and first time cantering. He starts a bucking fit. What do you do?

A. Push him through the bucking to a smoother rhythm?
B. Allow him to experience the saddle and let him find his own comfort without extra stimulation from you?
C. Shut him down and start over to help him understand a quieter mind and more balance?

I'm not answering for you. I want you to consider the answer and the same for the following questions. There is no right and wrong.

Scenario 2. Lunging with a saddle for the tenth time, not the first, and again, another canter bucking fit ensues. What do you do?

A. Push
B. Allow
C. Shut down

Scenario 3. Riding. You are a novice rider and your horse begins a bucking fit. What do you do?

A. Push
B. Allow
C. Shut down

Scenario 4. You are an expert rider, and it is the horse's first bucking fit. Same possible solutions. What do you do?

Scenario 5. Expert rider and it is his tenth bucking fit. Same possible answers, what do you do?

Scenario 6. It is his tenth bucking fit but he has a history of cowboys pushing him into it and now it is a trauma response. Which of the three options do you choose? Push, allow, shut down?

Scenario 7. Same question, only no trauma and the horse is slated for livestock work every day?

Scenario 8. It is his tenth fit, no history of trauma, and the horse is slated for a novice rider in group settings?

Scenario 9. It is his tenth bucking fit and it is an escalating energy cycle with adrenaline and risk of injury due to bad footing?

Can you correctly answer all those questions?

Here is the principle lesson. Nuance is important. Do NOT be the learner who ties their beliefs to one type of tool or technique or trainer.

Be the learner who hunts for nuance and mastery, moment to moment. Each one of these scenarios could be filled with even more situational awareness that slightly changes your approach to success.

The real goal should not be doing the "right" technique. The real goal should be hunting for ways to help the horse LOVE learning and growing with people.

I appreciate the opportunity to share. Thanks for reading and sharing your part too.

Here’s to the success of our horses and ourselves on this fabulous journey to mastery. Don