Successful leaders and horse trainers spend years learning how to think and communicate simply. Horses, kids, and other folks respond to simple one-or-the-other choices allowing them to build confidence, boldness, and faith. Lest anyone be confused, the terms "simple" and "easy" are not synonymous. Â
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One of two circumstances explains the reason for every failure; someone was either unable or unwilling to do what was necessary to succeed. You can't get much simpler than this either/or truth. Failure is the result of someone saying "I can't" or saying "I won't!" Knowing the difference is a skill few people have. Unless you know why your horse, child, or spouse tells you "No!" you have no way to respond productively to turn that no into a "Yes".Â
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The principles presented in "Discipleship with Horses" are simple and easy to list. Like most other skills, however, knowledge and application are two different beasts.Â
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Jesus uses 4 basic commands in the gospels. These are the same 4 basic commands we use with our horses. Every horse that refuses a cue or makes a mistake gets one of the 4 commands wrong. Most folks don't which command they used much less which one their horse didn't do. How can you correct your horse's mistake if you're not absolutely certain what is was?
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There are 4 types of questions. Two types have no right or wrong answer. Do you always know precisely what you asked your horse to do and what the correct answer looks like? The greatest mistake most people make with their horses, children, or students is punishing a "yes" because it was misinterpreted as a "no."Â
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The journey you walk with Jesus Christ (and the one you share with a horse) is unlike any other. Your experience can be a daily delight of joy. "Discipleship with Horses" shares simple methods for creating joy in your own life - and how to properly apply them. Jesus said, "you must become as a little child to enter heaven." Here's an opportunity to rediscover the simplicity of childhood within you.Â