There is a Zen quote that says “chop wood and carry water”. As with most things, there are many different ideas, theories, and opinions on what this quote means. As always, my horses have taught me what it means in MY life….
~find a person that educates horses in a way that your heart agrees with and lives what they are selling.
~ learn everything you can from this person because they are now your mentor
~ don’t jump from mentor to mentor, this confuses your heart. If you need to jump, that person isn’t your mentor.
~ they will help teach you how to chop wood and carry water, another words all the basic principles that will keep you and your horse safe and having conversations you both contribute to
~the techniques don’t matter. Let me say that again and louder. THE TECHNIQUES DON’T MATTER. There is a million ways to chop wood and carry water. Seriously. How your horse FEELS about the techniques and your understanding of them is all that matters.
~the magic happens when you find the place where you understand with every ounce of your being that you are teaching your horse how to operate well in a human world but your horse is teaching you how to be a better human in that world
~just keep chopping wood and carrying water and let your horses teach you to do it with strength and love and grace, my friend.
photo by kaylalewphotography
