Self-determination yes or no?

What does it mean if I give my horse self-determination in everyday life?

Don't worry, this is not synonymous with a loss of control, but rather encourages the horse to be allowed to communicate its needs.

First and foremost, this self-determination should give the horse satisfaction. Can it move when it wants to? Can it drink/eat more or less when it feels like it?

An example from my everyday training: my mare Relajada is obviously not having a good day or night. We don't know what animals experience during the night. So we listen carefully before starting training. Relajada communicates her worried state to me by sending other important signals in addition to her physical stiffness, which I recognise immediately by the way she approaches me. She doesn't like having her head touched today, she takes a step to the side as soon as she spots my (her) caveson. However, she stays with me and sends the herd away. This is her way of telling me that she needs attention, but today it's very gentle attention. I respond to her by putting the training utensils away for the time being. I stand next to her and relax. She enjoys the moment without any expectations on my part. I wait and see.

After a while, I ask her if I can come a step closer. I can. I consciously breathe in and out deeply. I think to myself that a bodywork session is more appropriate than collection training and respond to her. She also determines the duration of the session. She is allowed to withdraw whenever she has had enough. I am grateful that she has placed her trust in me, that I understand her in her attempt to communicate. And she is grateful that I let her determine her training today. We are both grateful, it strengthens our bond and we have once again come a little closer together.