Today, I took Max for a walk. Outside!

He stretched his neck and angled his nose upwards, breathing deeply and taking in the fresh air. I imagine him trying to understand and place the smells — the trees and the nearby stream and the dirt and grass — contemplating all the newness.

At one point, I reached out and touched his neck as his eyes were locked at a faraway sight. His fur was warm from the sun and I felt his heart beating so powerfully, with so much vibrance and alive.

It felt like a beautiful reminder of everything honest and good and real.

And this makes me think.

What would happen if we (the small, silly bunch of us with show horses) focused less on extreme, intense, and anxiety-provoking performance? What if our goal was to make our horses as quiet, at-ease, and calm as possible? What if we created a space for a shared experience between human and horse that feels fulfilling, challenging, and harmonious for both parties?

I don't know. I think it'd be cool.