It is as true in the horse world as it is in the human world, and I would venture to say the whole of the at least higher animal world, that "trust" is the foundation of relationships. Trust, in the purest animal sense, can mean literally mean the difference between living or dying. A horse in the wild living in a herd places its trust in the leader of the herd to ensure its continued survival.
In humans, trust forms the foundation of our relationships with others and how we interact with them. It also is the most basic element needed to lead others; for without trust in a leader, one is not a leader.
So, how do we decide in whom to trust or to distrust? The term often used is "walking the talk" or "say what you'll do - do what you say". It is an alignment of words and deeds -- over and over and over. Trust takes time to build and is easily broken when words and deeds are not aligned. And as long as it takes to build trust, it takes very little to break the bonds of trust. We must continually show that we are worthy of trust -- whether that be with our family, friends, co-workers, or animal friends.
River continues to reinforce in me the power of trust. Even though River is not a large horse by any means, she still is a powerful animal with a mind of her own. The world could be on her terms if she chose. Establishing trust with River has been an evolving process. She has always accepted me, but it has been through River's illness and convalescence that we have truly developed a level of trust that we haven't had before. It is exemplified by her stopping her eating and walking to greet me at the gate, and her tolerance as I learn to be a better rider. I am always mindful that her trust is hard earned and I have to keep earning it. And she repays my trust in kind. And for that I am grateful.
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River comes to greet me at the gate. |
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