Labels Belong on Jars

Redefining Who We Are

This is Jamie. He is 26 years old and I hesitated before adding a photo for two reasons. First, I didn’t want to be lumped into the “crazy people who link animal training to children” category. Second, because it is such a special game we play and I didn’t want to face the haters and the criticism that invariably follows when posts show horses trained using less aversive methods, not widely accepted or understood. I have received harsh bully-like comments in the past, so my radar was on! Some people see Jamie doing a useless trick that has no relevance to riding or horses at all. This got me pondering — and when I ponder, I write!

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Back stories often enable us to get a better understanding. If we only took the time to get to know people’s (or horse’s) back stories, maybe we would be more compassionate…maybe. Jamie came to me as an 8-year-old “paddock mate.” His meteoric rise to fame as a 3-Day eventer came crashing to the ground due to a recurring hock injury, and suddenly he had no future in the world where he apparently belonged. Jamie seemingly had another purpose which was yet to be fully realised. After a traumatic road accident, Jamie became my sole focus. I began to learn the many and varied behaviours that have made him so popular, and have given him a new lease on life.

Interestingly enough, after Jamie arrived another supposedly useless horse came into my life – one with a very different issue. Jaxon was also eight, an amazing appaloosa, considered useless because he was not yet broken in. He had been rescued by an experienced dog trainer, who invariably trained him using dog training methodology (way ahead of us!). Jaxon was onto it from day one and alongside Jamie, I was in training heaven. As I watched Jaxon move, I thought about how incredible it would be to ride him as he was so in tune with his body and moved like a dream horse. I began wondering…and when I wonder, I take action!

Jamie’s useless label (or more user-friendly paddock-mate label) was based on his inability to function within set parameters. The lack of flexibility within these parameters meant Jamie was useless. By shifting the parameters, he had blossomed. Could I shift the parameters around Jaxon’s label? What were those parameters anyway? AGE – generally you don’t back horses late because of the time it takes to train and “use” them. I challenged myself – asking the question – is this really true, is it impossible to back a horse after 10 because it will take years? Why not find out – so, I tore down the wall around my own thinking and started training him at 10 years old! For me, the experience was incredible, and I am not sure who has taught whom more! He is a joy to ride and was so easy to train. Anecdotally, I believe this is because of the strong history of positive outcomes in Jaxon’s life and he has associated “listening” to people and trying new behaviours with good outcomes.

My horses have brought joy into my world and spread joy to many children and adults alike. People of all ages, who are not at all horsey and have a very limited view of horses based on labels and beliefs about those labels, have learnt to shift their own beliefs. People of all sorts have been able to interact with my horses and gain new insight into what horses can achieve, insights that defy what they previously believed.

Reflecting on this, I have made many connections to how adults and children do or don’t cope with crisis or life changing events – their own beliefs and the labels placed on them by others can impact in a destructive way. There are always opportunities to redefine yourself and find a new role to play – we need to be open to these opportunities and allow ourselves and others to potentially outgrow their label.

Questions to Consider:
• What is the initial purpose of this label?
– Giving important information
– Clarifying needs

• How does this label serve/help the individual?
– Enables them to receive expert care
– Allows them access to important resources
• How does this label serve/help others?
– Provides important information about needs
– Enables others to be empathetic to needs or expectations
• How does this label limit the individual?
– Limits their access to potentially challenging opportunities- Restricts their ability to be accepted and treated the same
• How does the label limit others?
– Prevents others from seeing new and different potential
– Reinforces old and limiting beliefs
– Hinders a growth mindset

Labels belong on jars in the pantry…Keep that in mind!

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Kate Winchester


Kate Winchester
Kate is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst and NZ registered psychologist. She provides services and support in implementing lasting behaviour change for fitness coaches, parents and schools. Kate divides her time between her horses, volunteering as a firefighter in her local community, and training and competing as a fitness athlete.
You can contact her at:
kateannewinchester@gmail.com