I’m sure you’ve run across it… “She’s a bolter” or “He’s freaky wild” or “Good on trails but horrible in the arena” or “Witchy” or “He has no sense” or “Could never be a lesson horse” or “Doesn’t like woman/men”…
We hear these kinds of descriptors often. I use them myself. In fact, if I’m being honest here, I have mental descriptors for all of my horses – based on MY experience with them.
But that’s just it… MY experience.
Sure, some of the behaviors are well to be described. For example, if a horse is a bolter, that is something good to know before going out on a ride (hopefully with a qualified trainer).
But, other descriptors are simply perception.
I mean, how many times has a horse who is ONE WAY with you, acts completely different with someone else?! Infuriating…and confusing – but it happens more often than not.
For today, I’d like to use this video as a simple reminder about labels. No one likes them. Everyone can reinvent themselves every day – given the opportunity. Horse or Man.
THE LAB DECOY
This video tells of 6 photographers who were all asked to photograph the same man in the same space.
The difference was that each photographer was given a different descriptor of the man previous to the photo session: self-made millionaire, convict, psychic, fisherman, a hero and a former alcoholic.
Amazing the different photos taken of the same man – from these different preconceived parameters.
Six different, all false, little boxed perspectives.
Just think about that the next time someone labels a horse – or you.
To watch this compelling and insightful (short) video, click here.

This is the man … the photographer was told that the man was a self-made millionaire. Click image to watch the video.

Here he is greeting another photographer who was told that the man was a hero. Click to watch the video.

In this still, the six photographers look at all the stills taken and are marveling at how different they are, not knowing that each was told a different story about the man.
CHRISTMAS BUCKET FUND IN HONOR OF MAMA TESS – Let’s help a few old mares!! Click here to read their story and donate! Holiday Gift donation certificates available!

Here she is after just 3 weeks at The Golden Carrot! She is looking much better and very grateful!!!

I did not…
Good article, thanks.
The horse’s eye picture, did you take that, that is an amazing photo!