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Leadership, Purpose, And Partnership

Horse and Rider

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February 2018

Leadership, Purpose, And Partnership

- Bob Welch

Leadership, Purpose, And Partnership

NOT LONG AGO, I felt I’d hit a wall in my 5-year-old gelding’s (shown above) training progression. He’s always been a pretty solid soldier. I’ve asked him to work long days, rope big steers, put up with all-day horse shows, and endure trips to cow works two states away.

He’s always shown heart and a willing attitude. But lately, as I’ve tried to put a bit of refinement on his solid foundation, it hasn’t been working. Admittedly, I’m not the best horse trainer in the land, and I’ve been seeking help on that front, but my young horse’s attitude seemed at the root of the problem. He’s never overtly obstinate. We don’t get in big fights. Increasingly, though, his attitude seemed uninspired. More and more when riding out and then away from the other horses, he’d become antsy and nicker for his buddies.

A Look in the Mirror

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