December 2017 - Mid Month Update | Blogging from Madalyn Ward, DVM

December 2017 – Mid Month Update

Holistic Horsekeeping
How to have a healthy happy horse

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In This Issue:
1. Horse Temperament – Why Boundaries Matter
2. Horse Harmony’s 12 Days of Christmas

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1. Horse Temperament – Why Boundaries Matter
Why does one horse get pushy, one get sullen and another flighty when they are all handled the same way? The answer is different horse temperaments respond differently to boundaries. The Wood and Wood horse combinations need very clear, strong boundaries that must be constantly enforced. The Earth and Metal horses need boundaries but they rarely test them once they are know what they are. The Fire and Water horses work better with flexible boundaries that do not squash their creativity.

To help understand how different horse temperaments react to boundaries lets use the analogy of a sales rep at a business. Say the work hours are set at 8 to 5 with a 1 hour lunch break. The Wood or Wood combo rep is very high energy and makes a ton of sales. He starts to think he is pretty special and no one is going to challenge him if he comes in late and takes an extra hour at lunch. If he is not challenged for this behavior then he starts thinking his boss is pretty weak and pushes his limits even further. The correct response from a good leader would be to bring this sales rep in and explain that although he is a valued employee, his behavior does not fit in with the overall standard of excellence and that his commissions will be lowered if he continues to come in late. If he comes in 5 minutes late, then the boss should follow through with his threat. Most likely the Wood or Wood combo rep will have his commission cut several times before he gains full respect for his employer and starts to be proud to work in such a well-run business.

The Earth, Metal and these combo types are both loyal and hard working and rarely test boundaries, but if they see lack of leadership they can get sloppy. Maybe they come in late a few times and nobody says anything. Then it just becomes a habit. If attention is brought to their behavior then they will quickly improve it. They also want to be a part of a well-run business and consider themselves strong team players.

The Fire, Water and these combos are a bit more of a challenge for a leader. These individuals are very smart and talented, but they are also very sensitive and creative. Chances are they are not late intentionally and are just as likely to skip lunch breaks and stay late in the process of doing their job. When they are at work they give it 150%. With these types, the strict enforcement of boundaries can discourage rather than build respect. As long as the sales are being made, it can be better to avoid pointing out every time the employee comes in late and focus more on praise for extra work put in and make gentle reminders about respecting work hours.

Horses, like people, need to know what is expected of them and this is why boundaries matter. Without clear boundaries there is always some doubt and confusion. By understanding how the horse temperament types respond to boundaries you can get the best performance with the fewest behavior challenges.

2. Horse Harmony’s 12 Days of Christmas
Wonder what your horse would like for Christmas? See what we think your horse would like according to his or her temperament type.

If you can’t see the video above, you can view it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsNCnQgisCI and see all of Madalyn’s other fun videos on temperament typing at https://www.youtube.com/user/horseharmonytypes/videos.

And don’t forget that we have lots of great holiday gifts for the horse lovers in your life with books , ebooks, audios and lots more. Find it all at Holistic Horsekeeping. From Madalyn and all of us at Holistic Horsekeeping we wish you and yours a very blessed holiday season and Merry Christmas!

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