Being the “new” kid, even when you’re not…

Hint…”It’s okay to be new at something.”

First of all let me say this, I have never been one to shy away from learning, or a challenge. Anyone who knows me would say I love to learn new things. Especially things that I thought I new well, only to find out that there was/is a gap.

I am an extremely analytical person who will go to the ends of the earth to find answers to things that are troubling. My approach is one of optimism..I usually believe there is a better way.

Recently, while looking for answers to troubling questions regarding horse behaviors, it became apparent to me that I had missed out on a whole host of “new” information. The further I researched the more I started to glean. I began to see a whole new world of horsemanship that I never knew was out there. Answers to questions I have had for a long time. Answers to things that I had not yet considered.

As you may know, there has been a great revelation in the pain, and behavior sciences as they pertain to our horses that I had not heard of until now. Pain science…behavior science….what in the world are you talking about Annie??? Exactly!

I have an educational, and experiential background that is a bit mind boggling, and even to me this stuff sounded weird at first glance. However, once I started down the path to new understanding, with an open mind, everything became crystal clear.

I was able to draw on my former education in the sciences field, and piece together familiar concepts. However, I will say that I found myself feeling a bit sad that with all my years of experience, and education in these subjects I was still in unfamiliar territory. Thus feeling a bit like “the new kid”. But, that okay. In fact, after learning this “new” information I realized that it was actually a good feeling to have.

Needless to say, I am committed to improving my horsemanship no matter my age, or experience level. There is nothing wrong with what I do know, or the methods I use. However, I can always improve upon, my current “basis of understanding”.

Continuing education, or life improvement is part of being a dynamic creature. Brain science directly supports on-going learning. It’s like exercise and workouts for the brain. The only difficult really is accepting that no matter how much “experience” you have in a particular field, or interest doesn’t mean you can’t be the “new kid” in school. Besides, half the fun of doing anything is always feeling that excitement of something new. The neurologist would refer to that as natural release of endorphins.

In conclusion, I would like to encourage you to step out of your comfort zone. To challenge yourself on what you thought you knew. Find that little kid excitement of wonder again. Your horse might just whinny at you for it…take that as joy! 🙂

I truly hope that I have been an encouragement to you. I appreciate your time in reading all the way through. Know that I share my thoughts, and my journey in an effort to open a door for others so they too can be free to grow. Always be the learner!

God Bless your journey, and happy trails,

Annie 🙂

P.S. Be on the look out for future posts were I reveal more of the “what” I’m learning, and links. 🙂 In the meantime search out pain science as it applies to horses or animals, and neurological and emotional factors that effect animals. You might just be surprised what you find. 🙂