When I was a child my mother always said “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.”  I still try to remember that.  It doesn’t always come to mind when I need it, but it’s still true.

There was the Golden Rule – “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Then there are the Ten Commandments – I’m not going to list them.

Our society has abandoned all that is good and has gone to “Every man for himself” or “He who dies with the most toys wins.” (and it doesn’t matter how you acquire them.)  What happen to Honor Thy Mother and Father?  Nope, just blow them away.  What happened to Thou shalt not kill?  Have you seen the news?

The media, with regards to the candidates running for the Presidency, are making me crazy.  The candidates are mud-slinging like a bunch of 7 year olds, and the media is having a field day with it.  Grow-up you guys.  And the media, as far as it’s concerned, is just out to crab your attention and it has nothing to do with reporting the truth.  This nation is in trouble and all you can think about is bashing each other.  Just lay your plans on the table to get us out of this mess, and then let us decide.  However, if things go like in the past, nothing will be done about the promises made before the election.  I can only pray that this time it will be different.  The people have had it (me included), and we’re tired of seeing this great nation go down the toilet.  Okay, I’m off my soap box now.

I was reading an article in Riding Instructors Magazine.  The title is “The Seven Teachings.”  Some Native American people’s refer to it as “The Seven Teachings of the Grandfathers.”  I quote “They represent thought-provoking concepts of traditional teachings on how to live and work successfully in community.  Each teaching, each “gift,” is a tool to help us live by sound ethics and most importantly, with consideration for others, animals included.”  My mothers philosophy is shared as part of the Seven Teachings, and she didn’t know anything about it.

The Seven Teachings are -Truth, Love, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Humility, and Wisdom.  These teachings are meant to be used together.  You don’t use truth one day and then decide to use Humility the next.  The Bible teaches the Fruits of the Spirit, which are Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Goodness, Gentleness, Kindness, Faithfulness, and Self-Control.  Between the two teachings they pretty much cover everything that would lead us to a good, safe life, one we no longer have here.

Didi Arias wrote the article and uses this as an example.  Truth -“Does my horse make me look like a bad rider?”  Honesty – same question but with an answer “Does my horse make me look like a bad rider?”  “No, you are a bad rider.”  Kind of hard to swallow huh?  She goes on to say, that’s why all of them are used together.

So what would that look, like using all of them?  This is going to take some real thinking on my part.  Question – Does my horse make me look like a bad rider?  Truth – No your horse just shows your level of riding.  Honesty – There are things that you need to work on.  Love – I love your enthusiasm, and I’d love to help you.  Respect – I know I’ve had problems in that area, and sometimes they are difficult to over come.  It takes a lot of work.  Humility – It can be done, and I know that you can do it, because I did.  Courage –  It is not totally the horses fault.  It is rider error, but it can be fixed.  Wisdom – is “To be able to interpret the ideas and experiences of others.”  shown – I have been through this many times, and I will take the knowledge that I have been given, and after taking in your situation, I will help you get through this.

We are not always honest with ourselves, or others for that matter.  If someone asks you about what you think about a horse they are buying, do you tell them what they want to hear, or what you really think?  Now do you leave it at that and have them hate you either way?  Or do you explain (in love and honesty) why you feel the way you do?

Are you honest about your horse to yourself, or with your horse?  Sometimes our horses aren’t capable of doing what we ask, but we won’t admit it or believe it.  Sometimes we don’t know how to accomplish something, and we blame our horse for the mistake.

The article I read is mostly about us.  I’m turning it around to incorporate our relationship with our animals.  It’s a lot easier to put them on drugs, or get a stronger piece of equipment, instead of being honest about what is really going on, and seeking professional help.  We are living in the days of fast food and fast fixes.  Who in the long run, are we cheating?

Remember – Always speak the truth in love, but take an honest look at yourself first.