I think your attitude is great!
I have a horse (Phoenix) and I train him with Parelli natural horsemanship. They have a saying that I really like, it is "create a relationship with love, language, and leadership." You do need to be your horses alpha, but it is a benevolent leadership, that is consistent, and just...more like a 51% - 49% ratio.
Anyhow, horse training is extremely different from dog training, prey animal and predator animal, but I think some of the principles relate. Just thought I'd share!
P.S.
I am aware that some people love Parelli and some people hate it, and I in NO way am trying to start a debate about it.
