shade and ego

So I take my dog for a walk, or go for a ride on my horse.  And I catch myself insisting they walk where I want them to walk.  Then I notice that the sand on the edge of the road is softer and that is why my horse wants to walk there.  Or I see that the shade is deeper and cooler on the other side, and that is why my dog, as she pants heavily, is pulling me that way.  I have been so caught up in my ego, that I am not even seeing that naturally, they know what is good for them.  So I need to adjust, listen to them, and work in a partnership, rather than insist - illogically - on doing it my way!