52 Times

“52 times”, she replied.

The speaker system had blurred the question so all I heard was the response from the young girl. Thirty-four people had come to ride with Buck Brannaman in a recent clinic, divided into three groups, I was taking the opportunity to watch and listen from the bleachers.

Over the course of three days, Brannaman had repeatedly explained and demonstrated a “soft feel”. Despite his best efforts, by day four, few seemed to have picked up on the fact that he was speaking to them.

Understanding a soft feel is only gained through experience. It is hands on learning not something you can pick from a book or video. Brannaman was suggesting that the only way to keep your horse engaged is to be engaging. Rather than sitting like a bump on a log, stay in the moment and so will your horse.

The parallels of horsemanship and leadership are wonderfully obvious to me. Like horsemanship, leadership is an active pursuit. We can memorize theory; but real change can only occur it is through reflection and application of knowledge. Many can become capable riders and managers, however few become excellent horsemen, horsewomen and leaders.

“52 times”

The question? Resorting to statistics, Buck had simply asked a twelve-year-old girl to watch how many times in one hour he asked his horse for a soft feel. Whether at a walk, trot or standing, many saw nothing. Nothing - yet this young girl counted fifty-two simple but defining requests.