The Dalai Lama said, “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” Kindness is paramount when we are with horses and we have to recognize that it is always possible to be kind to them, no matter what. 

What is kindness? With horses it is spending time with them, doing things they enjoy like mindfully grooming them, it is bringing carrots to give them joy, it is making them feel safe in their environment and with you, it is listening to how they feel and making changes to your plan, your actions, and your ideas accordingly, it is apologizing when you reacted poorly or made a mistake, it is thanking them for forgiving you and being patient while you fumble your way through learning about them, it is appreciating them for who they are and where they are at right now. It is recognizing that kindness is always possible and that the horse will never soften to you through pressure you apply, but only in your release.

Wait a minute, was I talking about horses or people?