Indifference is not respect

So said Christian Cazor, an inspiring local natural horseman who I did some day clinics with a few years ago, and who inspired me & motivated me to follow the path of alternative horsemanship, to relearn everything I thought I knew about horses.
Recently I have fully realised just how right this is.
Since the improvement in our relationship, since we sorted out the leadership issues, since I realised just how important it is TO MY HORSE that I behave like the leader she needs me to be, I have seen lots of little things fall into place like a jigsaw magically coming together.
Now, at last, I have the relationship that I despaired of ever having with Lucie; now she is happy to be with me.
I have noticed little things, like these: she used to be indifferent or turn away when  approached in the field. Now she comes to me easily. She used to try to leave and if I tried to prevent her, would pull away. Now, if I ask her to stay with me, she accepts it without question. She used to push past me or go through gaps first, in the field; now, she always follows and lets me pass first. She used to knock into me very slightly with her shoulder; now, this just doesn't happen any more. She is much happier in herself. She is always pleased to see me. She wants to do things with me and for me. The grazing issue is sorted (the grass used to be more interesting); if I walk on, she follows without question, and with enthusiasm.
So again I say: leadership (and the respect it creates) is everything!
Once I understood how she perceived me, how to behave so as to be the leader my horse needs me to be, and how important my behaviour (and consistency in my behaviour towards her) is to her, it all fell into place.
Consistency meaning that anytime and every time that she challenges me, however small & imperceptible it may seem, I need to 1) to be aware of it and 2) to correct it firmly and gently, without emotion. One day she might come out of the field slightly ahead of me: if I don't stop, step her quietly back, lead off again, that small weakness on my part (as she perceives it to be) will lead to her questioning my leadership in other ways. Now I know the signs, I can see it happening, unfolding. One small correction with the right timing saves so many questions, challenges and misunderstandings later.
Leadership, respect - and timing!
(Quote Cazor again: "Il faut avoir le bon timing!")

Here is his demo in May 2006, with 2 horses at liberty, at the Fête de Fleurs et du Cheval at Cazals, that so inspired me.

P.S. We haven't been doing much lately; too busy, too hot, but hopefully back in action again soon!