While reason reigns in human minds, horses follow their emotion and instinct. Zum reacts as he feels. He cannot groan or cry. But he can widen his eyes with concern. He can become repressed in his mind and body. Or he can become tense with resistance. Resistance carries a message to me. Something is wrong with my requests, my timing or Zum’s readiness. This is my clue to try something else. When Zum’s eyes soften and he moves forward with cheerful willingness and light feet, I know this is Zum’s smile to me. He feels my guidance motivated by my love and kindness towards him. He feels that he can trust and enjoy my presence as well as my requests.
