Fear is a Question

1/22/2022

It was 1980s human potentialist Marilyn Ferguson who said, "Fear is a question: What are you afraid of and why? Our fears are a treasure house of self-knowledge if we explore them"

I don't think the real horseman exists who hasn't been afraid at one time or another. Author Mary Twelveponies breaks the fear of horses into three, common categories:

Fear born of inexperience,
Fear resulting from trauma, and
Fear based in respect.

I've felt all three at various times, usually more than once and sometimes for extended periods.

The third ~ respect-based fear ~ is positive; I don't mind keeping it. As the vaqueros used to say, "A man won't make a good horse until he is afraid to ride."

A man won't make a good horse until he is afraid to ride.

But the others...they must be faced squarely, evaluated, and addressed. Through education. Through creativity. Through graduated exposure. And sometimes, through good, old-fashioned "getting back on the horse."

Fear is a question: What are you afraid of and why?

Originally published in The Barb Wire, May 29, 2011

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Thanks for dropping by! I'm an endurance rider in the northwest region of the United States. This blog explores the mental, physical, and technical aspects of being a better horseman, athlete, and human.
It's a place for riders and horse lovers, whether fit or simply fit-curious, to ponder what it means to saddle up strong.

~ Tamara

For more of my story, come visit the About page.

Aboard Jammer on our way to 100 miles at Oregon 100. Photo by Darlene Merlich

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