I remembered the very first time I picked hooves. It was on my very own 2 year old Arabian! Any horse person would tell you this was pretty much the epitome of stupid. A young, inexperienced kid, with a young, inexperienced horse of a notoriously flighty breed, and the very best color and gender for having a total disaster!

And when I look back, in reality, nothing bad really ever happened. I trained her, by myself, without riding lessons or a trainer, to carry a saddle, and me, and to ride her successfully. We might have not won any shows, but I could ride my horse.

Before I turned 18 years old, I moved out on my own. I remember the day I left, peeling in reverse out of the driveway with an unhinged person chasing my car with a tire iron. I had spent the previous 2 ½ years afraid for my life, and running off to be with Penny was what helped me survive until I could sign a lease on my own apartment and get out.

Arrangements were made to move Penny to a boarding stable, and just like that, I lived in my own apartment, was boarding my horse, and I was out on my own, alone. I worked 7 days a week, putting myself through college.

Of course I had issues with Penny, she was a little spooky and not usually easy to handle, but she never seriously hurt me (except for that one time in Minnesota). All of those books I read, and all of those horse whisperer guys, they helped me enough. Imagine what it could have been had I known about positive reinforcement! But back then, I had no idea what that was.

Although my life was a pretty miserable, lonely, scary, mess, I had a horse, and she kept me sane. I just wish there had been one book in the library on positive reinforcement, explaining it in a way that made sense. Had I known my life would have been less miserable and scary, my horse would have been less scared of me and happier. That is really the bottom line of why I think it is so important, I literally think it can save people, and animals, lives.

For example, when people struggle with their animals (like I did with Penny), when the pressure gets to be too much in other parts of their lives (like an unexpected huge car repair bill), animals are let go to try to ease the burden. People get overwhelmed, resources are thin, anything must go just to allow us to just survive. I fully understand this. I just wish I could stand at the door of the shelter, , and give them a month learning about positive reinforcement, and 90% of those animals would stay in their homes. Because positive reinforcement is not just a method of training, it’s a way of being. It permeates and is a part of everything you do. From feeding, to petting, to brushing and caring for them, all of it. It’s not a training ‘method’, it’s a new way of existing. It’s a way of behaving.. It’s a way to decrease the stress in your life and bring more inner peace and wisdom. It’s just one simple shift. Maybe you already do it, naturally.

Could that be you? You might be. It’s simply a revised premise for every interaction you have with others, which is asking, not telling. It’s as simple as that. Requesting participation, not demanding and expecting. Now doesn’t that sound like a better world to live in if everyone acted like that, am I right?

If you have a horse and want to test this theory, I have created a fun quiz you can check out here, just copy and paste the link into another browser https://www.resqranch.org/5minutetrusttest and share it with your friends to compare your results! And if you wish I had a quiz like this for dogs and cats, leave it in the comments below, and I will, because ultimately, I am here for you!

Today I am grateful for my experiences with Penny which led me to be able to relate to others. I am grateful we were busy at work yesterday and I was able to help a sweet dog who got tangled up in barbed wire while out Christmas tree cutting. Oh and please sign up for your slot for Pet Picture with Santa, here! https://www.resqranch.org/pet-pics-with-santa-signup

I am grateful for my staff who always stand by me no matter how stressful things get at work and who stay late. I am grateful I woke up this morning, and for the sunrise.

Have you ever thought that you are the architect of your own life? Because although we have outside influences, of course, there is much you are in control of, too. How you will react to others. How you will choose to behave even when people frustrate you. Choosing to be happy and smile despite working late, or getting a flat tire. Choosing to say nothing even when you want to say a lot. We are lucky enough we get to choose, so today, don’t forget that. You have the power within you, to shape your own life, to choose good, to choose control, to choose humility and peace, instead of righteousness and anger. Do it for yourself, and those around you. Today, choose peace, you Animal Loving Angel!

​Check out my YouTube channel for a daily "Good Morning!" from the rescues and lots of free tips and training resources. https://www.youtube.com/@the1drq