My reply: I don't think I inferred that "leadership" is =caused= by dominance. On the contrary ..."Dominance" brings forth "defense" caused by "fear" ... whereas "leadership" brings on teamwork and partnership ... THESE are the two "keywords" that describe what should be the ultimate gain/end when working with horses ...
I see a huge difference between "dominance" and "leadership". Let's dissect these two words for a moment with some Funk & Wagnall's definitions:
"DOMINANCE ... derived from the word "Dominate" ... 1. control; govern 2. tower above. 3. be dominant, as in power.
"LEADERSHIP ... derived from the word "Leader" ...1. one who or that which goes ahead or in advance. 2. one who acts as a guiding force, commander, etc.
I think is it REALLY important to play out the semantics between these two words as each one encompass VERY different plays, if you will ...
I choose to be a "leader" with my guys which perpetuates the relationship of mutual trust, respect and security. I believe that to be a "leader" when working with horses it surpasses, far surpasses, the relationship of dominance/subordinate. However, it takes a bit of inner emotional work to get beyond the need to "dominate" ... when we feel we need to be dominant aka "alpha, boss, whatever" we seek the "POWER" and 'CONTROL' that goes along with it in order to make 'ourselves' feel safe and secure. If we can "control" the situation of working with a 1200# animal that can kill us in a split second, then we feel OK. But, to be the "leader" and choose to regard the HORSE'S "feelings" in the situation, if you will, then we put our own "will" aside and first and foremost think of the horse. ... are we explaining what we want to the horse is a manner which is clearly understood? Are we helping the horse to understand and execute the behavior which is being requested? Are we willing to step back when the horse is exhibiting behaviors which clearly tell us that it does not understand? i.e. ... evasive backing, aggressiveness, prancing, jigging, throwing head, hollowing back, pulling, pushing, bolting, rearing, bucking, biting, ... behaviors which are "negative" to humans but in equine language is SHOUTING so that we, the human, might better understand? No, I said that wrong ... the equine does not view us as human or horse or anything else .. we "are" a predator. Baseline, that's what we are ... THE predator. Do we need to exhibit "dominance" as a predator to MAKE/FORCE the horse to comply with our wishes? Or ... do we exhibit leadership as a 'safe' predator to form a working team relationship with the horse.
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