Over the years, I've had a number of young men and women work for me.  It's hard to narrow down all the stories associated with each down to just a few. 

It actually used to bother me to have to pay people to come learn. It was my opinion that it should be the other way around.  They begin knowing nothing and leave with some concept of what to do.  Sounds like school to me.  That and the aggravation I've been put through, trying to fix the things that the people I have paid screwed up. 

Then one day it hit me.  I had a total shift of perspective.  I am not paying for labor and assistance. I am paying for entertainment, and in the process... occasionally get things done.  Now, I no longer concern myself with how poorly I may be spending my employment dollars, but delight in the fact that my entertainment dollars are well spent.  In fact, I would have to say that through the years, my favorite employees have also been the most entertaining.  For example, there was a boy who came to work for me who in his interview had mentioned his colt starting prowess.  Of course, I know they all can do that.  I've not yet had someone in their effort to gain employment at a training facility neglect to mention their amazing young horse and colt starting talents.  Yet this young man had the right hat, so I gave him a try. 

As luck would have it, I'd just gotten a handful of horses in to start.  All the typical things occurred.  Ground work, round pen tactics, a bit of driving, saddling...etc.  The boy was actually doing an average job, which given my previous entertainers was a big step up.  After spending several days in the round pen, I mentioned to him that it was time to hit the pastures.  I guess I misread him a bit and blame the hat.  This was arena boy.  Apparently the only pasture riding he had done was on a four wheeler.  A couple of the colts were good natured enough to deal with his discomfort.  Yet one seemed to enjoy the challenge of breaking this new kid in as to how a horse really thinks.  For several days in a row I'd look up from whatever I happened to be riding and see this colt streaking across the yard back to the barn with this boy clinging to the saddle like a grass hopper on the hood of a speeding car. 

Finally, I'd had enough of this entertainment.  I mentioned a couple of ideas to him as we both rode out to the pasture together.  My pointers included for one, how to steer.  Grateful for the advice, he booted the colt off into a trot , which of course turned into a gallop shortly.  Then I saw the colt start heading for the driveway which leads through the trees and up to the barn.  Now, the only clearing in the trees was where the road went through, otherwise it was pretty thick brush and mesquite.  For those who don't know, mesquite is a very thorny tree before it becomes excellent wood for cooking with.  I saw the boy start applying my steering tips, and got the colt headed in a different direction...right into the thickest part of the brush.  I rode over to see how this would turn out.  I discovered the point of entry as a result of finding his hat lying on the ground.  In the woods I could hear rustling, branches breaking, and the occasional hoot, followed by a plea for "whoa".  I yelled in offering encouragement, and also to give him some clue of where "out" was.  Soon here he came.  Through the brush, up out of the creek and back into the pasture where I was waiting.  As I looked him and the colt over I saw twigs hanging from both.  His clothes had been given a more stylish ripped look from apparently trying to gather some of that good cooking wood, while still in its natural state.  I was about to ask if he was ok, when a big grin came on his face as he began to explain how much my steering tips had made a difference.  "You see usually he just runs right down the road". 

Now that's entertainment!
 
The Lesson:  When you can't change how things are, perhaps a change of perspective will give it a more positive twist.  At least it could make it more entertaining.   
 

 About the author: A professional trainer for 30 years, Craig grew up in the horse business. His parents, Burdette and Ellyn Johnson, raised horses at their Iowa home and from an early age Craig knew he wanted to train horses professionally. He worked for other trainers for a time, learning the ropes and then went into business for himself. Although he started his career showing everything from halter to performance horses, he soon specialized in Reining. His occasional forays into the Working Cow Horse world have netted him NRCHA Futurity finalist finishes and an APHA Working Cow Horse World Championship. By 1980 he entered his first NRHA Futurity and the next year he qualified two horses for the finals. He has only missed making the NRHA Futurity finals twice in two decades, since putting his life time earnings well over $1,000,000! Through the years, Craig's talent and experience as a clinician, coach, horse developer and trainer remain in constant high demand. www.craigjohnsonreining.com