Tailored Approaches
Allie Barnett, CEO
Friday was the first day of the year that I got a sunburn! What a treat! Warm weather, sunny skies and a perfect day to grab a few horses, knock some mud off their coats and challenge their brains for a few minutes outside of their normal lesson routine. At the end of the day, I walked away sunburnt, sweaty and deeply happy. I also walked away with a greater appreciation for yet another beautiful parallels that exists in the gift of working with both horses and children.
As I walked out to greet my first horse of the day, T.J., I knew he wouldn’t walk away. I approached him confidently to his shoulder, gave him a good scratch on his chest and slid the halter on. Knowing him to be a bit dull to commands, clumsy on his feet and in need of motivation and a strong leader at times, I gave him a verbal command ‘walk on’ and used big energy to get him into a working walk to the gate. I know that it’s important to establish roles and ‘work time’ boundaries with him quickly. I give quick and firm feedback to slow or speed his pace to the gate, making sure we are in-step together and on the right foot starting our time.
For my second horse, Dash, I know he is highly sensitive and people pleasing. He can be easily frustrated if not listened to and needs to know you will also be sensitive. I approach him slower, with my shoulders dropped. If he takes a step away, which he sometimes does, I talk softly and pause. When I reach him, I give him gentle scratches and tell him he’s a good boy and that I will listen to him. Once he is haltered, I gently ask him to walk and give him a moment to respond before repeating my command gently. Dash is always eager to please, if you give him the opportunity. This gentle trust makes our connection like super glue during our time.
My last horse, Scarlet, is a bit of a nervous girl. She likes a confident leader that likes like everything is no big deal and we’re just going for a stroll around the park. I approach her with big pats on her shoulder, a kiss on the nose and sloppily put her halter on. I walk off ahead of her 5-6 feet with a loose lead with full confidence she will follow. She is happy to be trusted to follow and to have something interesting and a bit unpredictable to tune into for the moment.
As I walk to the gate, I laugh at myself as I realize how differently I have caught each of these three horses. I find joy in the fact that there is no “right” way to catch a horse. I am grateful for the opportunity to KNOW these horses. I understand there is always something more to learn about them during each and every interaction. I remember a time when I believed a ‘one size fits all’ approach and I am thankful I no longer believe that. I see the fruits of tailoring my approach to the individual. The built trust, the aligned energy, the connectedness, the ability to accomplish a shared mission. . .
What a beautiful parallel for our approach to the children we serve through Justin’s Place. As instructors, staff members and volunteers, we get to know each child we serve. We work to understand their spectrum of needs, sensory profiles, preferences and histories. We understand that there is ALWAYS more to learn. Then, if we are practicing at our best, from a place of grounded, self-awareness, we are able to tailor our approach to each individual. We can meet them where they are at, accept them fully as they are and head off on the same foot together into what we hope is the best hour of joy in their week.