Building a fence
I am gonna tell you, these posts sometimes come out of thin air. Something just hits me and I think, well someone may be able to relate……or not?
A few years back a buddy called me up. He liked the fence we put up and he wanted to know how we built it. I wasn’t sure how to answer it, I was like, we just built it. He was like no, how did you get from start to finish?
I had to think about it for a minute. I guess we figured out where we wanted it. Placed some stakes at the corners, then strung lines from stake to stake. Marked the layout of the posts along the string. Installed the posts and then hung the wire. He was like ok…. 6 steps, got it, thx.
I know there is a process to things. We built homes and did remodeling projects for years. I really never stopped to think how many steps it took to get things done.
The conversation has always stuck with me. It was just 6 steps. Actually there are more than just six steps, because each one of those steps can be broken down into a few steps of their own.
Take for instance, Installing the post. Well you need to get a hand post hole digger or get an auger and a tractor. I prefer the tractor option. Dig the hole to a depth to get below the frost line. Set the post. Plumb it with a level, stake it and brace it, so it will not move. Mix up some concrete. Pour the concrete in the hole. Wait for it to set up and then remove the bracing
For my buddy though, The basic steps we talked about were the steps he needed to accomplish his task.
I’d say we can apply this process to most things we do in life. Take what seems complicated and maybe overwhelming and break it down into more manageable steps. If the initial steps are still too complicated. Maybe we should break each of those steps down into more manageable steps until it works for you.
One might ask, how do you train horses to ride? Well first of all, you get them to learn about pressure and release, so you can move them around. You're gonna have to get a hold of them using a rope or a halter at some point. Also you will need to sensitize them and desensitize them, cause there are things that are going to go “Boo". All the while continuing to develop an understanding of what you're trying to get done with the lead rope. Such as asking them to move left, right, forward or backwards. Get them used to the pad, saddle, as well as other tack and training aids. You will want them comfortable having you around and above them. At some point you will climb in the saddle. Then start applying the techniques you used on the ground from the saddle. Oh and don't fall off. That ground makes for a sudden stop. I may have had that happen a time or two. I forgot to wear my sticky pants on those days.
I counted roughly 8 steps or so. That might be enough steps for some, however might not even scratch the surface for others.
Take for instance, putting the halter on. That may sound super easy. What if the horse will not let you catch her? A horse in an open pasture that does not want to get caught, may very well not get caught that day.
I had an older horse like that. Back then I thought, if I let him get away with that, I will struggle everyday. I caught and saddled another horse to help me get that gelding into a smaller pen where I eventually caught and haltered him. From that day forward I developed a new plan with different steps. I catch my horses in the same pen I feed them in.
My current process looks like this. I walk out to the barn and call for my horses. While they are making their way toward the small pen, I grab a little feed and throw it in their buckets. Once they are in the pen, I close the gate. After they have had time to eat and relax a little. I grab a halter, and walk toward my horse. Maybe I rub on one or two before I get to the one I want. If that horse starts to leave, I apply pressure, by stepping in a direction, that causes the horse to either stop or redirect it another way. Eventually, the horse realizes the release is just to stand still. I approach, toss the end of the lead rope over the base of the neck of the horse and put on the halter.
One might call that 6 steps. Your process may look a little different for putting on a halter. It might be a few less or a few more steps. Regardless, the job gets done.
#itsyourjourney