Things to ponder...

being with horses blog spot:  

Something to think about

I am a perfectionist. In many ways. Being a perfectionist sucks. In many ways. But especially when being with horses. 
Unfortunately the horse industry and other horse people insinuate that you have to be perfect in order to live up to your horse. I have no idea how that is at your place, but here in Germany it becomes ridiculous.

I love the internet as it enables me to write and have my articles actually read by interested people (and not only by the ones I force to). We have the latest information easily available, we can read the newest publications, view videos of popular trainers, and we can swap ideas with people from all over the world who we wouldn't have met otherwise.

But on the other head we are confronted with a lot of opinions, and worse, a lot of choices. Years ago, life was simpler. You just did what you were told - by your instructor, your farrier, your vet. These days considering the information available it's easy to challenge the old institutions and ask questions. And our trust goes out of the window. 
Thanks to the internet we turn into semi-experts, be it horse nutrition, saddle fitting, horse training or trimming. I feel quite well informed in either of these areas. But having read 4 articles and one book on barefoot trimming doesn't necessarily enable me to do it myself. The same applies for the other cases. 
Knowledge can be a dangerous thing. I find that I mistrust our vet (and I have been right doing so), I believe most farriers tell fairytales and most riding instructors simply have no clue. That makes me biased, distrustful and hard to please. Not exactly an easy client to deal with (and of course I scold myself because I don't work out. Isn't it that as a rider you are obliged to stay fit for your horse?) On the other hand thanks to my thirst for knowledge I am able to help the horses I deal with some more than other people might.

It's a double edged sword, really.

I don't want the old days back. I have never been someone who likes to be told what to do. I've always questioned the why. But sometimes I wish things were easieragain. Less bagage when being with horses, less insecurity to do the right thing. Less choice, more trust. 
How do you feel about that?