How to Build Supportive Cultures in Our Horse Barns

or falling behind. In this mindset we are more likely to lash out or withdraw our support. This type of behaviour usually creates more of the same and lowers the overall sense of safety for everyone in the group. Before you know it everyone is acting from fear instead of supporting each other.
Next time you feel triggered by a member of your barn or riding community take a moment to pause and reflect on where those emotions are coming from. Recognize that the feelings reflect how you feel about where you are in your riding journey and therefore are your responsibility to resolve. Remember this everyone around us is a teacher. Riders who are currently achieving what you want to achieve have learned key information and skills that support their success.
Strengthen your culture with choice improvement and belonging. 
A culture is always the sum of its individual parts the human beings involved in it. When everyone feels safe and heard this has a powerful positive effect on the group. So how can we bolster our sense of safety and connection and that of those around us? There are three important ways 
Having choice and control over what happens to us
Feeling supported in improving and progressing towards our goals and
Feeling a sense of belonging to the group.
Are you actively contributing to your barn culture? If so what impact are you having? Get involved and share your thoughts whenever possible. This builds a sense of contribution to and ownership of the resulting environment. Giving fellow barn members an opportunity to contribute and acting based on those contributions wherever possible has a positive impact on barn culture.