Today is National Help A Horse Day so we would reflect on just some of the things we can glean from horses about relationships.

Relationships on Female First

Relationships on Female First

Trust- Trust is so important between you and a horse. They have to trust that if they carry you- you won’t whip or kick them and you have to trust that they won’t knock you off. Just like in relationships- you have to trust your partner won’t hurt you either physically or emotionally.

Sometimes you have to gallop- There are times when you just need to run. Just like horses- sometimes, you feel like taking a run- to clear your head before you say something hurtful to your partner, to figure out how to tell them something or to make yourself feel better so you can be there for them. If you’re not into running- your version of this is when you just need some space- to leave the room or your home to get some clarity about your relationship or to blow away the cobwebs for when you return so you have room in your head to accommodate someone else.

Sometimes you have to carry each other- Just as a horse carries you on its back- there are times when you will have to be the one who provides the support, the strength and something to lean on. When you are vulnerable, your partner will do the same- it’s all about give and take.

Tone- Sometimes it not about the what you say to your lover but the way you say it. Horses don’t understand what you are saying to them- but they do sense tone. If you don’t mean something wholeheartedly, your partner will know because your tone will give it away. Make sure that what you say is what you really mean.

If you fall- get back up again- Sometimes horses stumble, sometimes riders fall of their backs. The most important thing is to get back up and carry on and the same can be said about relationships. Every partnership will encounter difficulties along the way that will knock you or both of you down- but you can’t give up- you have to rise and continue not just for you- but for your significant other too.

Know how to act- There are times when you want to be carefree and playful and there are others when you need to stand still, listen and be calm and quiet. You should know when it’s appropriate to adopt each mind-set. How you act around each other is often completely different to how you act when you are around others. Consider who is there and the effect your behaviour has on your partner and their reputation.

Sometimes you just want to get dirty- A little dirt never hurt anyone and horses know this more than most. If you want to take a hike in the mud together- go for it! It’s not going to do you any harm- stop worrying about things that don’t really matter and just enjoy yourselves once in a while.

Recognise when your relationship is unhealthy- Horses and humans are astute when it comes to knowing if a relationship isn’t working. If you reach a point where you become bad for each other- make some changes and create good habits instead. Or if you always bring out the worst in each other- is it time to move on and find someone who you can connect with?

Gentle giant- Horses are bigger than you are- but they don’t want to hurt you. If your partner is bigger than you- taller and stronger- there is an unspoken understanding that they will never harm you. They have a heart of gold and looks can be deceiving to everyone else. You know that your partner is there to use their size for protection- not to intimidate.  

Friendship- Horses can form strong friendships with their riders, which is key when they spend a lot of time together. Let’s face it- a friendship is the basis of any healthy romantic relationship. You need to be friends first before all else as this will always get you through. 


by for relationships.femalefirst.co.uk
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