Wonderful article. I too have been a life long horse person and have learned a tremendous amount about dealing with children and other adults from them. A unique combination of firmness and gentleness is required. Horses are flighty creatures, but can be wonderful companions once they know you will treat them fairly. Sometimes I need to re-learn this lesson with my own children.

Your article came at a great time for me- Right now I own and train 2 wonderful mares, shaping and molding them into the athletes I know they can be. It is an art form and yet a science. Incrementally, bit by bit, every day we make small steps toward their ultimate potential.

At home, I disciple three marvelous children, but they can try my patience in a way that no speechless animal ever can. I find myself somehow expecting my kids to respond like adults, but as little children, I really should be going back to that patient teaching style that I've spent a lifetime learning on the back of a horse.

Thank you so much for your article. I have had a similar experience in this area. My four daughters who are home-schooled are very interested in drama. The only access to this is through the local Cultural Society. The teacher for the Cultural Society is a retired High School Drama and Spanish teacher who is very much in favor of public schooling. We were her first "real" experience with homeschoolers. Two years ago, when my daughters first began taking her drama classes, she was very skeptical about their ability to function in a classroom setting (since they weren't "properly" socialized). After two years of observing and watching them, she is now our biggest fan. She has made such comments that they are her "best students" and they are "more responsible" than the other students, etc. My eldest daughter is 18 and has been given the leading role in two of the most recent plays.
There is a lot to be said about gently winning people over. This is following the example of Christ.