Horses, Humans, & Pressure by the Remote Horse Coach

Horses, Humans, and Pressure

When we work with a horse we primarily use two forms of pressure to communicate, physical (the lead rope attached to the halter, the rein, the leg, the seat, etc.) or spatial (not touching the horse but able to influence his brain and movement.) Vocal commands are a third, less common form of pressure.

A horse’s natural response to human pressure is to flee from it, become defensive towards it, or physically “challenge” it, which causes him to be unable to “hear” the person. The horse needs to learn that pressure offered by a person can similar to feedback he'd receive from interacting with other horses.

Pressure should be thought of as a tool that affects the clarity of communication between a person and their horse. It can be used to teach the horse to offer respectful personal space, defining literal and imaginary boundaries. Whether from the ground or in the saddle, teaching the horse to follow, soften and yield to the pressure of a lead rope, rein, leg or your seat are quality and necessary aids. It can be used to teach the horse to become mentally available before offering physical movement.

The term “pressure” often has a negative association due to the misuse of it through a person’s attempt of controlling and micromanaging the horse's movement.

 
Pressure forcing a horse into submission whether through physical dominance, using gadgets and devices, or physically wearing down the equine tends to evolve into a "battle." Pressure by forcing something concerning upon the horse and increasing its intensity until he has to choose to quit fleeing contributes to his defensiveness in learning.

Aggressive pressure tactics such as continuous “driving” (with a flag, whip, etc.) basically scare a horse into physical complying (crossing water, trailer loading, passing the scary spot on the trail) but increase his mental distrust and emotional concern. This often leads to an escalating level of concern as more is asked of him.
Due to misunderstanding, inattentiveness, distraction, and lack of awareness, many people unintentionally communicate a barrage of chaos through both spatial and physical pressure. Constant “busy-ness” from a person in their activity with the lead rope/rein/leg dulls the horse and teaches him to ignore the human and become defensive towards pressure.

 
Slow, after-the-fact critical responses towards the horse, inconsistently allowing behaviors, and not establishing clear boundaries are also common contributors leading to a horse’s resistance towards any form of pressure.
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