Above all...

Put the Relationship First.  The biggest of the "commandments" of natural horsemanship.  Put your goals and frustrations aside...not important - not in the long run.  All too often, we think in straight lines.  Our blinders in place, we cheer, "What do we want?" (Insert goal.)  "When do we want it?"  The response?  "Now!!!"

Some learn from straight-line-thinking mistakes.  Some don't.  Marriages, families and careers fall by the wayside because of tunnel vision. 

I learned, big time.  August 12, 2012.  A trail ride gone bad...very bad.  First of all, my confidence had grown out of control.  Jitterbug and I had been doing so well together that I had taken to riding with only a bareback pad and rope halter.  No stirrups.  No horn.  No bit.  No leverage.  We had been riding that way on the same trails all summer.  Well, something was different on August 12, 2012.  JB started to balk at one blind curve not too far down the trail.  I'd approach the area and he'd retreat.  We did this twice, with him being the one to decide when to retreat and, luckily, I had been able to halt him with an emergency one-rein stop.  My riding buddy said, "Maybe you should get down and lead him through."  Did I listen to her?  Did I listen to my horse?  No.  Ignorantly, I said, "I think we can work this out." 

My goal at that moment was to ride that trail.  I had mistakenly put on my blinders and failed as a partner...a loving leader who could be trusted.  My display of confidence did not fool JB and there was something down that path he didn't like.  We approached the area a third time.  JB turned one way, then the other...I countered his turns with the reins.  We stopped this "conversation" for a split second when he did a 180 and split.  He's a Quarter Horse, which means his fastest speed is in the first quarter mile.  Without any leverage, I was nearly lying on my back, arms and legs in the air.  Then he stopped, threw down his head and bucked me off.  The last thing I remember of that ride was flying in the air.  I'm thankful I don't remember hitting the ground.

Without going into the gory details, I was diagnosed at the ER as having a fractured orbital floor, facial nerve damage, concussion, multiple contusions and abrasions.  I became anemic from the hematomas and massive bruising.  (I guess that's still pretty gory and my face hurts just writing this.)

That accident made me sad.  I had failed my herd of two.  It took nearly 9 months to regain confidence and build trust.  But, on that day, August 12, 2012, I had been taught how to listen, respond lovingly and with understanding.  And to put our relationship first. 

Goals are still important and achievable as long as you "take the time it takes so that it takes less time."

Thank you, my Jitterbug Boy, for this life lesson.