How did we ever live without them, and how can we live safely with them?

The key word here is safely.

We need to have them near us in case of an emergency, but they can’t be a distraction.

When we’re around horses our full attention must be on the horse and it’s surroundings.  Bad things can happen in a heart beat.

Most horses won’t react to things you expect them to, but rather to the unexpected.  We must always be aware of our horses body language and outside stimuli.

For example –

• A dog or child suddenly runs through the barn
• A plastic bag, someone left lying around, suddenly takes flight when the wind sends it into action
• A strange noise or movement in the distance that you may not even hear or see
• Or something as simple as an unexpected sneeze.

These are all horse eating things that horses may be startled by.  If you are on the phone you may not catch the subtle signs that life, as we know it, is about to change.

Don’t forget they are a fight or flight animal who depend on a quick reaction to survive.  Maybe we should learn from our horses to pay attention and react accordingly.  Seems to work for them.

Let the calls go to voice mail, and just enjoy what little time you have with your horse. (There’s never enough time.)  Return the calls after you leave the barn, when you can then focus on the person who called you.

One more thought.  It could be a pain to land on one.

Always stay in the moment, you’ll enjoy it more.