boundaries - self responsibility

My lessons always (:) ) begin with boundaries and self responsibility. Divvy up the responsibilities. Dealing the cards. What is mine (the rider) and what is the horse's ability to respond/responsibility. Then the ONLY thing we have to do is BE responSIVE!  Easy!

             Rules are made for stupid people ......  therefore are only needed as long as we are stupid.

 
 Keep your (own!) balance
 Be RESPONSIVE.
 Always do your best

temporary rules for 'on the ground':
1. Keep your (own!) body parts out from UNDER the horse's
2. Keep your (own!) body parts out of the horse's mouth
3. Own your right to do 1. and 2.

rules 1, 2, and 3 establish 'credibility' and therefore authority (KNOWledge and ability) by demonstrating that you KNOW where the cards are. Responsibility lies. You KNOW who you are and you have the ability and integrity to be responsive.

Exercises to practice rules 1, 2, and 3:

1. Distance - Practice NOT touching! Learn to play your own hand and not mess with the horse's cards. 
     a) that means NOT pushing the horse or even the horse's head away when they are too close

     b) no pushing or pulling to put the horse or the horse's body part where you want it.
2. Reflective seeing - practice seeing the horse in "body language".
     a) walk completely around your horse as if you are drawing their silhouette in the ground. Tracing OUTSIDE the lines. Perfect your sensitivity by being closer and closer without touching. Keeping it dynamic/kinetic by being aware of the swinging/sweeping head and neck.
    b) walk behind your horse and match exactly their orientation.  Your sternum to the horse's forehead. (remember you are vertical and the horse is horizontal - you don't have a sweeping head and neck!) Do not ask/wish/direct or expect anything! Simply mirror. Of course this implies the horse IS walking! If they are just standing ...... be patient! At this point DO NOT move them! Important - for this trust "proving ground". Absolutely critical to get to the authority stage. (remember authority = KNOWledge)
Can we - are we able - to truly SEE without projection!?! Can we be REsponsive? The inquiring horse want to know!

In these lessons ....... remember who the student is. If there is no response - there is no vision. No relationship. No conversation. No insight. Dead.