From The Horses Mouth

My horse Charisma's perspective

Yesterday my friend(owner) came out to see me. I was in my paddock and it was midday. The ground is frozen and there is not much green grass but not a problem. I was nibbling on a round bale(my own personal one). When I saw my friend, I walked up to the gate to greet her. I was sure to remain out of reach but close enough to snatch the peppermint out of her hand. I call that the snatch and run move. My friend climbed in the paddock and for a few minutes I danced just outside of catching distance. I showed off with a few snorts and quick steps which gave my friend a clear message that I was not interested in her agenda today. The weather conditions these past few days had limited my turnout. I was so enjoying my freedom, the sun and the company of my herd. My friend got the message very quickly and laughed while admiring my strong nature. Yes, she could had excepted the offer from the others in the barn to corner me in order to catch me. Luckily my friend realized the disconnect in that sort of action. From my perspective that would be predatory behavior and I would have fought like hell not to be caught. Plus how much fun would it be to ride a horse who is not into it's job at the moment? The reason I get along so well with my friend and we have developed such a strong partnership is because she allows me to be a fully empowered mare, not some codependent or slave. Thats why when she rides me it is as though we are one. There is nothing that we do not honor in each other. The same freedom, joy and respect she allows me to experience I give back to her ten fold. So when we ride she gets experience the full spirit of me and I hers.