What does the Map reference up there mean?    

If we use some of the examples in the top segment we can see how this applies. The plan is trot your horse around the arena and keep the cadence/rhythm consistent. But... your horse spooks in the corner at the far end. So she slows down to avoid the area and then speeds up or jumps sideways or takes off once you've pushed her closer. Meanwhile, you're getting a bit tense because you know your horse spooks down there. Her hair is standing up, you grip and hold the reins tighter and automatically hold on while gripping more with your legs. All these instincts serve to cause your horse to be absolutely sure that something bad lies in wait. Cuz her rider is scared shitless and expecting the horse's mouth to take the brunt of that fear in a vain attempt at control.

And voila you cause your focus. But, THAT'S the territory. The map just said trot around the arena and showed you which direction.

Take a gander at this shorty-short video - map and territory. Two different things! 

Understand that when the horse gets scared, she might need a moment and a kind word from you with a calm, relaxed body. But, if you snatch the reins and clamp on with your legs, you're pouring fuel on the flame instead of helping. Now I know that the skill to remain relaxed under scary horse situations is a learned thing. But, I'm telling you to learn it and use it - your most valuable tool. 

Skills are learned through practice not books and videos! Knowing a move intellectually has nothing to do with being able to perform it. Especially performing it well. Doing something badly doesn't make you skilled. I just don't understand why so many horse people don't feel the need to learn and are insulted when it's suggested. As if they were born with the knowledge and the skills to perform horsemanship well. NOT!

I am so very thankful for the myriad horses that come in here for training. The constant and never-ending learning makes me a better person, trainer and instructor.

More Trouble Than It's Worth. 

In five words, that's one secret to delight. When you do the work that others can't possibly imagine doing, you set yourself apart.

Seeking out the things that are more trouble than most people think they're worth is a powerful place to be.

The hard part, of course, is actually doing something that appears to be far more trouble than it's worth. An example might be - struggling each time to bridle a horse while it's head is up - instead of just training the horse to keep it's head down. Or this other common lack of... (I'm being nice)___ - attempting to mount a horse that won't stand still. Sheesh! really? Yes! Ya know there's a book on that right? My Curbside Service book. 

What else? Spooking. So many people tell me their horse spooks a some spot in the arena. Fix it! 

I hope you read the last three lines of this segment and give them some ponder time.