Respect

I actually wrote this text a few weeks ago already. I wasn’t sure if I want to post it but now I decided to do it. So here it is:

Leadership is a big topic for me. I’m thinking about it so much in relation to horses.
My idea of it is very different to how others see it.
To me it always felt like people might say they do so but they don’t actually respect the true nature of horses. It felt like they are seeing them for something minor to what they really are (in my eyes). That they are always thinking of them as “stupid”. Like a stupid child whom you would tell “you’re too young for this, you don’t understand it.” But I don’t see animals like kids that never grow up. Animals do grow up! And they reach adulthood. And they are capable of looking after themselves. I mean, they can survive without us. Just look at the wild horses. This felt so discriminating for the horses to me. As well as the idea that horses are always looking for a leader. As if they think of themselves as the poor stupid little followers who can’t survive alone and need protection and lead of someone else. How belittling is that please?! And how can people believing this say they fully respect the horse?

But then I had this thought cross my mind: What if I am the one not showing them the respect they deserve? What if my view is even more disrespectful than theirs?
Because:
What is wrong with being a follower? What is wrong with having instincts that are stronger than the rational brain? What is wrong with not being super intelligent?
Why is all that ‘worse’?
These are definitely all believe systems in me. And I don’t want to blame that on “society”. Because I’m for sure not less guilty on this than they are. For sure not! I think a high IQ is better, good marks in school are better. Having people following your example is better and (this is a big one for me) teaching is better than following yourself and learning. I think perfect is better than failing.
But come on, we all know that theoretically this is not true. It’s just that I keep thinking it nevertheless.

So what now if the horse really IS looking for leaders? What if they ARE happy to follow and get instructions?

And all I ever did was fighting this and not wanting to accept it. But then it is me who doesn’t have real respect for them. Because I think what they really are is something minor than what I wanted them to be. Then I am belittling their true nature.
But now the problem is that I don’t know what is right. This was just a thought that flashed through my mind. This theory makes sense to me though. And there are so many people believing this and thinking in this way. But then, people say trust your own inner voice. And for me that is the one telling that horses want freedom and that they don’t like to have to follow the human as a leader. It is the one telling me that a friendship as equals can exist.

Aaaaah, this is so confusing. I sometimes really wish someone would just give me the answer. But I’m sure I wouldn’t believe them. I would doubt not trust their ability to judge. I guess it’s a thing I have to find out for myself. People are always gonna think different than I.
I will have to let these thoughts settle into me and then time will help me become more clear about it.
I just thought I’d share these thoughts with you. For all those who are involved with horses. Or maybe you can even take something out of it if you are not a horsey person.

Your thoughts on this are very welcome. As always!