Monday 25 October 2010

Condemnation VS Consideration

When Susan and I go trail riding off the stable property we have to trailer the horses. To date we have never had a major problem. Amos and Izzy load very good. A horse does not like getting into a trailer - It is unnatural. It is confining and a horse knows if he is confined he can not escape danger. It is a "dangerous" place for a horse to be. They have to learn to accept this condition.

I have seen horses beaten, shocked, hollered at, threatened, jerked around, abused by whatever means. Basically frightened and condemned into compliance. They had better load or else! Not good.

Amos loads fine. He would "prefer" not to, but it is okay. He sometimes will start in, then back out. I reassure him, then start him again. I usually take the lead rope lay it loosely on his back, lead him by the halter close to the entrance of the trailer, let go and he walks up into the trailer.
No hands on him, no striking him, just encouragement. He is anxious to please. He just gets a little nervous at times - its a frightening place to be in.

When your friends, family or others are scared, frightened or balk at something you think they should not be afraid of, what do you do? Do you encourage? Or do you condemn ? I too often condemn. I need to be an encourager. Lets see what we can do with encouragement this week - okay?

13 comments:

Parsley said...

I love encouragment over condemnation. I think it inspires more confidence in the long run.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Parsley - Hope you have a great week! There, that was encouraging!!

CrossView said...

I don't do well with condemnation. Tends to make me more stubborn. Oh, wait! You're talking horses - not mules. ;o)

Indian Lake Papa said...

Crossview - Oh I am so tempted - But, I will leave quietly - no condemnation remarks!! :o)

Ed said...

I agree that the carrot works better than the stick. Actually bacon works better than anything, at least for me. lol

Abuse simply locks in fear. As you write, it takes encouragement that leads to trust, and faith, to overcome it.

Indian Lake Papa said...

ED, thats it! Bacon will cure all - for you & I! LOL

Abuse, mistreatment - takes a heavy toll. Horses learn quickly - fear included.

Michelle-ozark crafter said...

Okay I have to say it. No, mustn't! Oh yes I will! LOL! Just butter me up like a piece of good homemade bread and I am all ears. Like the Missouri Mule I am!
You know fear and abuse may seem to work but both human and critter is bound to eventually turn against the one who abused them. How many circus animals do we hear of on the news that kill their trainers after years of abuse and fear? Or people for that matter. Although I have been out of marriage for over 30 years, I still sometimes react in fear when someone comes up behind me.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Michelle - your words are well spoken. Mama has always used kind words with me. I melt when she speaks! LOL

Life Adapted said...

Oh, Papa, another great post. I do try to encourage, but I sometimes slide from encouragement to condemnation thinking I'm teaching. A very good lesson here. I am setting my mind on encouraging others with my words and actions.

Be blessed.

Edwina at The Picket Fence said...

Encouragement either given or taken is always the best for the soul.

Indian Lake Papa said...

LA - I think one of the things that both of us have tried to do is be an encourager to each other. Thank you!

Edwina - you are right! It goes both ways. I think I do a good job at it, but I like to hear it as well!

Unknown said...

That was inspiring, I love horses, I don't know many, but I feel i relate well with them. God Bless!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Thanks Laura, I too love horses - they are very special animals.