TO LEAD OR TO FOLLOW THAT IS THE QUESTION

In the world, there are leaders and there are followers. 

Which definition describes you better? Which one is your horse? 
This is in our world and the horse world. This is important to know when you are buying a horse or just riding one. Once you understand you will be better at helping your horse and at helping yourself. 

A leader is a person or horse that holds a dominant position and is able to exercise a high degree or control or influence over others. They are brave, courageous, without much fear and inspire others to do things. 

A follower is one who follows the commands or opinions of another. Someone who does not make decisions quickly, can be indecisive. Is more fearful and not willing to be first. They do better when they are told what to do instead of making the decision themselves. 

If you buy a horse that is a lead horse he will want to be in front of the trail ride, he will be more competitive. If he is put in the middle or back he may throw hissy fits, such as bucking and rearing, anything to get him up to the front. He will give the other horse courage by going past scary objects first. He will be the first to cross the water. He will jump the scarier jumps without spooking first. He will want to show the others what to do. If he acts up they all may act up. 

If you buy a horse that is a follower, he will not want to be first. He will want to follow another horse. He will not be as brave on his own, but maybe very brave in the group. If he is first he will question his ability to do things and he will need guidance. If he keeps spooking, all the horses may get spooky because they do not believe in him as a leader. He may spook at jumps first but then jump them well once he has seen it several times.

If you think of it, the horse world is pretty much like our world. There are also different levels of leaders and followers. If you are confident in something you will be more brave when asked to do it, but less brave with something you have not done much. Same as the horse.

If a follower buys a lead horse, the horse may help them to be more courageous, but the horse may also try to take over since the rider is indecisive. Since the horse is competitive they may not be able to control his speed and the horse will not listen to them all the time since they do not believe in the rider as a leader. The follower type person will not seek help or try to figure it out with lots of research. They will just keep riding the same way. 

If a leader buys a follower type horse, they will inspire the horse to be braver. They will help them with obstacles and when they are nervous. They will help the horse to be able to ride on its own. They will help get the horse past scary objects and scary jumps. They will give him the courage he needs. 
If a leader buys a lead type of horse. They will be able to control it, will be able to ride it in front, back or middle of group. They will be able to give the horse things to do when it becomes competitive. They will go home and figure out how to ride that horse better if they cannot solve a problem. They may seek the help of others or research for hours to try and solve the problem. 

If a follower buys a follower type horse, they will do well riding in the middle or back, but not do well if they have to lead. They will have less problems with the horse being competitive but may have problems being last since the horse sees that as being a lions snack and does not think the rider will help them. If you ride with other following horses, you may have a problem getting them past the scary things, as none of them want to go first and since the riders are not leaders, the rider does not help them. They will have problems with scary objects and scary jumps. 

Still confused? Think of your trainers, they are the leaders. When you hear someone say your being a passenger on the horse - the passengers are the followers. To be a good rider, you need to figure out who you and your horse are. Then have a plan to make you both better. 

                             TO LEAD OR TO FOLLOW THAT IS THE QUESTION