Inspiration & Leadership: For Horse Lovers: Inspiration & Leadership, #1

By Don Jessop

In the world of horse training, there are thousands upon thousands of little details that inspire and ignite the imagination. The pages within hold some of those little fire starters.

Are you ready to learn, live, and love every minute of your life with horses? If so, you'll find what you're looking for here. Some stories are technical and some are about you and your own psychology related to leadership. These stories are compiled from years of writing for my wonderful horse-loving audiences. Thank you for reading, thanks for inspiring me to write. God bless ~ Don Jessop

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rachel Jessop
• Release date: Apr 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9780982730560

Book preview

INSPIRATION AND LEADERSHIP VOLUME I

Copyright © 2021 - Don Jessop Mastery Horsemanship

Photographs with thanks and copyright © 2021 Carolyn Rae Maier, Christina Hirst.

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher or copyright holder, except for a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review; nor may any part of this book be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or other, without written permission from the publisher or copyright holder.

ISBN 13: 978-0-9827305-6-0

For more information visit

www.MasteryHorsemanship.com

ABOUT DON JESSOP

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Don Jessop, a Montana native, is the author of the book "Leadership and Horses," a Master Horseman and teacher who travels the world helping people with their horses while improving upon their own life skills. His natural, motivational attitude has inspired many people to achieve more in their studies and feel more confident. His teaching and horsemanship are drama free and he shares information with purpose and humor. His gentle, yet effective manner allows clients and clinic participants to listen, think and apply what they learn. With more than two decades in the horse industry, training, teaching and traveling around the world, Don has helped thousands of people live and achieve their desire to ride and compete. 

As an animal behavior authority, Don has been teaching and training leadership skills in two unique industries. First, in the horse industry. After decades of studying behavior science with the best in the field, including over ten years in person, with Pat and Linda Parelli, and private classes with the late Ray Hunt, a horse Master, Cesar Millan (The Dog Whisperer), Lynn Eisenhart (World Class Dolphin Trainer) Anthony Robbins (Peak Performance Coach) T-Harv Ekar (Secrets of the Millionaire Mind) and more, Don has worked to master the skills necessary to help address negative behavior, or what he calls the emotional brain.

Don Jessop’s two decades of honing horse development skills make him a very relatable clinician. His skills as a colt starter, horse development specialist, and teacher will move and inspire you. Spend some time with Don and forever change your perspective on how to get your horse into a learning frame of mind, build respect and tune up your equine partner for competition. He understands how to get human and horse to communicate fairly with his friendly manner and style. Don trains in the style of Ray Hunt and the Dorrance brothers, with a deep understanding of why our horses react and respond the way they do . 

Don’s skills have been called upon by Olympic riders, peak performance coaches, and everyday people from all over the world. What he teaches are the skills necessary to train people and their animals to reach their own goals and break through fears and limitations.

Don and his wife Rachel have traveled through every state in the United States and also England, New Zealand, and Australia teaching leadership courses and horsemanship mastery classes.

I owe it all to the people who walked before me and the people who walk with me now. It seems even when I think I’ve got it all together I’m reminded how we can’t do anything alone. Don Jessop

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

A CHRISTMAS POEM BY DON JESSOP 2020

THE ROMANTIC LIFE OF A HORSE TRAINER

ANTHROPOMORPHISM

TRADING BRAVERY FOR WISDOM

ONE TOO MANY HORSES

BAD BEHAVIOR DUE TO HERD ATTACHMENT

THE ONE LEFT BEHIND

HOW TO FIX A COLD BACK HORSE

VISUALIZE YOUR SUCCESS TODAY

WANT A BETTER RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR HORSE?

THE FIRM HARD LINE

FEAR AND OTHER FOUR LETTER WORDS

NEGATIVE COMMENTS AND HOW TO DEAL WITH THEM

FIVE THINGS HAPPY PEOPLE DON'T DO

7 CARDINAL SINS HORSE OWNERS MAKE

DRILL IS A BAD WORD... OR IS IT?

DON’T GET OFFENDED

HOPING FOR A TRADE

EMBRACE THE MYSTERY

ANXIETY ATTACK

ALWAYS EAT CHOCOLATE COVERED PEANUTS FOREVER

STANDSTILL IS A GAIT JUST LIKE CANTER

WHAT DID YOU EXPECT

FRUSTRATION IS THE ENEMY

ACCESS GRANTED

BACKING CURES BITING

PRESSED FOR TIME

DAVEY COMES FIRST - A TOUGH LOVE STORY

FIVE ROOKIE MISTAKES RIDERS MAKE

DO YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO RIDE?

POST RIDE PRIORITIES

AT THE END OF YOUR ROPE

HOLD THAT THOUGHT

TOO MANY CIRCLES

OTHER METHODS

A HUMP IN HIS RUMP

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE

THE TRUTH ABOUT PARELLI

FOUR TYPES OF DOMINANCE

D MINUS OR A PLUS?

HOW TO STAY POSITIVE NO MATTER WHAT

HOW TO TRAIN UPPER LEVEL WITH YOUNG OR INEXPERIENCED HORSES

THE POWER OF POSITION

UNDER USED AND OVERUSED GAMES

ARE YOU A RULE BREAKER?

THE REASON NEGATIVITY STICKS

ARE YOU USING YOUR LEFT OR RIGHT BRAIN?

DON'T GET STUCK DOING THE SAME THING

DOES YOUR HORSE PIN HIS EARS WHILE RIDING?

IS YOUR HORSE TOO SLOW?

THE REASON PERFORMANCE RIDERS HATE NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP

BARN DRAMA AND HOW TO AVOID IT

OUT OF THE BLUE - WHEN GOOD HORSES DO BAD THINGS

5 THINGS GOOD HORSE TRAINERS DO BEFORE THEY RETURN THE HORSE TO ITS OWNER

THE FAMOUS 'COME TO JESUS MEETING' WITH YOUR HORSE

DON'T BACK DOWN, DON'T GIVE UP!

LEADERSHIP UNDER PRESSURE

DON'T CHANGE THE SUBJECT WITH YOUR HORSE

DEALING WITH NEGATIVE FEEDBACK

INTRODUCTION

Over the course of many years I’ve compiled hundreds of articles pertaining to leadership and training with horses and people. This book contains a portion of those stories that will both inspire and educate.

Like all literature, there is much room for interpretation and expression of your own experience. You must always take your safety-conscious, heartfelt assessments as primary tools for navigating any training exercise and new information. At no time do I pretend to have all the knowledge in the world. I have been fortunate enough to study and learn from the best in the world, with both people and horses. And I’ve been bold enough to experiment like a true scientist and psychologist. 

My dream in sharing this book is to inspire you, to challenge norms, and build bridges between people and horses. To build toward a bright and healthy world where horses and people, from every part of the world, live free of criticism and judgment, with opportunities for growth and contribution within their own circles. 

A CHRISTMAS POEM BY DON JESSOP 2020

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the farm,

not a creature was stirring, nor raising alarm.

The fences were mended and stalls all cleaned well,

but something was missing, some kind of old smell.

Sure, farms have an odor, some more than others.

Like down the road, with the cow smell that smothers.

But this farm had horses, not pigs, goats, or chickens.

Yet something was missing, like the stories from Dickens.

And suddenly it struck me, with clear forward-thinking.

What's missing was sugar and holiday baking.

In all of my hurry, and single mind focus,

I found I'd played horsey, for too long to notice.

And what can I say? I'm addicted to horses.

Ask my friends, my neighbors, and teachers from courses.

Some call me crazy and thoughtless and distant,

but just ask my horses, they'd say I'm consistent.

I've found myself lost in my passion for creatures,

and forgotten of Christmas and all that it features.

But fear not dear readers, I'm just inches away,

from revealing my system for snacks on the day.

With buckets and scoops, and a peppermint treat,

I'll make sweety confections that no one can beat.

My horses will love them, and I’ll never regret,

how on Christmas eve I remembered my pets.

And oops... once again, can you see what I’ve done?

I am stuck with my horses and having more fun.

I guess that's the life of a horse-loving loon,

because being near horses can't happen too soon.

With new years so close I can't help but feel,

will I remember to eat, to work, to be real?

I feel I must warn you, my dear normal friends

I'm mad about horses and don't mean to offend.

But look if you need me, not near the house.

I won't be caught baking like a good little mouse.

I'll be at the barn with my four-legged friends,

counting the days, till spring comes again.

With holiday cheer and a faithful delight,

I wish peace to us all, and to all a good night.

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THE ROMANTIC LIFE OF A HORSE TRAINER

Today I looked up. I paused from my work and lifted my eyes from the flowing mane of my seventeen hand warmblood gelding, and saw Italy. Golden rolling hills. Italian architecture, and a herd full of beautiful horses roaming the eighty-plus acres on which I was training. But I was not in Italy. I was just forty minutes from Sacramento, California, in a beautiful country setting near Rancho Cordova, on a farm called Silverhorne. If Italy had a mirror, this would be it.

The horses I came to know here were known for their jumping prowess and beautiful conformation. Tall, elegant, powerful, and smart. These Hanoverian warmbloods, in the right hands, would win the Olympic games. The imported stallion, who no longer stands in his spacious paddock, represents the best of his German breeding. 

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And here I was, the lucky one whose hands touched and helped mold the future of these young horses. How did I get so lucky? Who gave me the desire to learn the depths of horsemanship? Who gave me the heart to feel the needs of every horse? Who allowed me to travel the world, supporting the future of all horses? Only God.

Tomorrow I travel again. To the place where seasons barely matter. To a place deep in the North Carolina countryside where a group of willing students will attend a weekend course to help improve their skills and relationships with their four-legged partners. Here, and in many other places across the globe, such as the seaside farm in Rhode Island, and the seaside farm in Washington, and the mountain farms in Vermont, Utah, Nevada, and Montana, the deep south of Florida, and the even deeper south of New Zealand, I have the privilege of helping people learn about balance, alignment, energy management, bravery, courage, mastery level tasks, and so much more. Standing in a clearing, guarded by rows and rows of trees, my group and I will sit atop our mounts, testing our new skills. Some will tempt their fates in the face of a small jump, while others will boldly climb aboard a brand new horse. Some will test their horse with the basics of flying lead changes, and others will pull off the halter and lead to test the boundaries of a liberty connection. Each and every student will walk away with a newfound love for their horse, and a greater appreciation for their own capabilities. What a glorious endeavor I have chosen. 

And what waits for me when I come home? A beautiful wife and daughter, who's love for horses might surpass my own.  I have been blessed no doubt. I did not create my good fortune. But I didn't deny it when it was shown to me either. 

When an opportunity is presented, will you believe in the romance of the possible future, or will you fear the expense?

Be bold... because life is full of fantastic things!

ANTHROPOMORPHISM

an·thro·po·mor·phism

noun - The attribution of human characteristics or behavior to a god, animal, or object.

It's common in the horse industry to hear the term anthropomorphism from trainers. Horse trainers say not to apply human emotions to your animal. They say your animal doesn't experience human emotions. But they’ve got it wrong!

Animals experience grief, fear, pain, frustration, anger, hypertension, anxiety, depression, sadness, happiness, excitement, contentment, awkwardness, playfulness, and many more emotions. Just like humans. Anyone too blind to see this in their animal shouldn't have animals. Animals shouldn't be treated like slaves or inanimate objects. They should be treated with reverence and respect, the same way we would treat a child, a student, an athlete on your team, or an employee in your organization.

Here's the kink in thinking about horses, however. Here's where people get stuck...

Most natural, positive, or progressive-minded horse people know that animals feel emotions, even human-like emotions. Where people get in trouble is when they apply their own current emotions to the animal. 

In other words... If I feel sad, then my horse feels sad too. This is not true. It could be true by sheer coincidence, but certainly not true by any other means. When we as trainers say not to anthropomorphize, what we're really saying is, don't put your current feelings onto your horse.

Sometimes, I'll hear a student say, with a great big smile on their face, My horse is having such a great time. Then I'll look at the horse and think. OMG, that horse is NOT having a great time. If you feel happy, don't assume your horse feels happy at that moment too. If you feel scared, don't assume your horse is scared too. If you feel angry, don't assume your horse is angry at you or trying to make you angry, which could easily lead to a fight. Try to read the horse. I have courses, inside our Mastery University, dedicated to reading the horse’s current emotions rather than applying our own.

If you can learn to read the horse, you can be a true leader. Take a look at this picture and tell me what this is horse feeling.

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Ten people will have ten different answers, and the answers... will most often be dictated by the current emotion of the person looking at the picture. 

The reality is that it's nearly impossible to get a good reading from one picture. Motion helps read (e)motions better. But, better than trying to read the feelings, try and read the attention and energy output. At least if you can determine that, you can begin to make simple corrections to guide the attention and change the energy level. When you can change where the horse focuses and how they use their energy, you can help change the emotional state of the horse to anything more positive.

TRADING BRAVERY FOR WISDOM

I'm not as brave as I once was, I've been injured, I've grown older, but now I'm a whole lot wiser. Not as wise as I'd like to be, like the people I look up to, but I've certainly traded some of my bravery for a little wisdom. Perhaps you've done the same. Perhaps you know someone, who you wish would do the same. Bravery is an important aspect of any activity in life, no doubt. But wisdom can be even more powerful when it comes to communicating with our four-legged, wild at heart, equine friends.

For instance... I don't get on a horse just cause someone else says the horse is trained or ready. I test the horse's individual responses to simple suggestions and see just how trained trained is. If you're new to horses you might not know what to test for. I can teach you. I have home study courses dedicated to supporting you on our website.

I don't push a horse beyond his limits just because I think he's being obstinate. I used to. I used to be quick to blame the horse for one thing or another and then get a little too quick or harsh in my corrections. But now... I usually don't chalk up anything as obstinate behavior. Think about it. Is your horse not doing it because he/she knows what you want and chooses not to? Sure, sometimes that's correct and easily misread as obstinate. But there's one other element to consider... Does he/she know why you want it?

When you ask a horse to do something and they say, I don't want to do this! What they're really saying is "Why do you want me to do this?" And if you don't have an answer, you're going to go straight to thinking he/she is being obstinate and choose dangerous techniques to correct. Possibly dangerous for you. Most certainly dangerous for the progress of your trusting relationship with that horse.

Me, on the other hand, at least this older/wiser version of me, doesn't go straight to obstinate. Instead, I choose to say, "My horse is acting confused. He/she clearly