Equi-note 9 Matching Principle helps working with good harmony

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Good Inputs are essential for working with good harmony

The range in the variation in Inputs could also be described as suitable vs unsuitable. And so, irrespective of the quality of the Inputs, Outputs also have every chance of ranging from good to bad.

Outputs are very different from the Inputs as was described in: Equi-note #7 Success with horses needs realistic inputs and outputs.

An immediate example is one that is well known and often causes a great deal of jealousy. The example is that of wealthy individuals, buying expensive horses and tack for a spoilt child. Frequently wonderful horses are acquired for them even if they have minimal experience.

This often occurs by parents buying the best horses, equipment, stabling and training available for their children. This is usually done with the best intentions and as such should be applauded. However, this situation often creates a mismatch of Inputs. And in spite of numerous disadvantages, sometimes great partnerships come out of it. but not always.

All too frequently, the mismatch of Outputs causes the relationship to fall apart. This is because Outputs are very different and cannot be bought. They depend on you! On nobody else.

The horse is your willing servant. And reacts to you and your instructions. Consequently, you are the one responsible for determing what happens. How the relationship develops is entirely your responsibility. You are in charge of the training. You are the key to working with good harmony.

Your approach determines whether you and your horse are able to work with good harmony

Both  in good times and bad!

They are the inevitable outcomes of such an involved relationship. It is only right that you are able to enjoy the good things. Otherwise you wouldn’t be around horses, right?

But it is not only about weekly visits, taking pretty photographs and showing off your new breeches and boots. Developing your relationship with your horse takes time and effort. Your progress around horses can be  very time-consuming. And it usually is.

As the new horse owner, you must be ready to work hard to improve those areas where more skill is required. Sooner or later there will be a crunch time when your progress will be measured.

You will be expected to show what you are able to do with your  choice of Inputs. Most (probably all) horse owners automatically believe that their judgement on these issues is excellent.

However, there is always a crunch time. This is important for many reasons. The first is that you need to prove that you have made progress to yourself. Secondly, you must be able to demonstrate your progress to your family and to stable-mates. And thirdly, you will also have the opportunity to increase awareness of your skills to friends and in due course to competitors.

The main difference between Inputs and Outputs is that the latter are mostly subjective. There are a number of them. And it is significant that this is where working with good harmony jumps to centre stage.