Ask 20 horse trainers what they believe is the most important principle of horse training and you’ll get between 12 and 20 answers. What differs among the experts is how they initiate communication and establish relationship.
Horses Respond to Simple and Easy
This is my best two-minute summation about fabulous relationship with horses: Whatever you ask, make it easy and simple. You know, like a kid would.
Children are better horse trainers than grown-ups because they communicate clearly. They know what they want and ask for it. Horses get that. They appreciate it. They respond.
How to Make Requests Simple and Easy
- Know precisely what you want and be able to describe the right answer.
- Only ask for one thing at a time.
- Once you ask, listen to the answer. If it isn’t what you wanted, ask a better or more specific question.
- Design lessons that make your horse a winner.
What other experts say:
- Train according to the horse’s ethology and cognition. – Andrew McLean
- The most important element of riding – Is your horse in front of your leg? – AJ Dyer
- Trust – Karine Vanderborre
- Foster a more equal relationship, based on trust and respect, in which we learn from each other. – F. Pignon and M. Delgado, founders of Cavalia
- Get control of the horse’s feet in the roundpen – Clinton Anderson Academy
- Bending and longeing should be learned first. – “Horsetrainer”
- Patience. – Hearthorses.com
Which expert offered the advice you can take to the barn and implement today? My money is on whichever concept struck you as the easiest and simplest.
Related post: How to Enjoy Your Horse More
Another related post: 7 Simple Rules for Success With A Horse
For more affirmation, insight, and ways to offer simplicity and create a deep bond with your horse, check out the Gospel Horse Series.
2 Responses
Hello –
The advice you give in this article makes the most sense — I honestly feel as though the other expert’s advice was not a realistic or practical (for me at least). My desire is to really enjoy my horse and I want him to enjoy my presence if that is possible. Asking ONE thing at a time and then actually waiting a listening to his response is still something I have yet to master. I want to be so sensitive to him. Thank you for your article. 🐎
Thank you for your affirmation, Linda, that true enjoyment of relationship with a horse works both ways. Just as we teach our horses to look to our thoughts, we have to return the favor and seek theirs.
Blessings,
Lynn
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