Horseback Rider Awareness by the Remote Horse Coach

Self-awareness- A Crucial Factor

The next time you're with your horse, ask yourself...
Why are you doing "that"?...
Catching the horse *that* way?
Grooming the horse in *that * place?
Mounting on *that* side?
Leading from *that* side?
Starting the ride in *that* direction?
Working on *that* specific movement?

Think about what your answers to "that" is, in each of the above scenarios.

Did you proactively check in with your horse's brain before you asked him to move his body "that" way?

Did you assess if "that" communication was effective in the equine Conversation?

Did it feel like "that way" of doing things created familiarity and tolerance in the horse or perk his interest and curiosity?

What did you "do" with the feedback the horse offered as you interacted in "that" way?

Every time I am working with a horse there is a running commentary in my head.

I'm observing what and how I'm offering something, assessing the horse's feedback, and then addressing it.

From there I may adapt my initial intention to what I need to address to influence or redirect the horse's thought first, then check-in for softeness, and then ask for physical movement.

The constant checking-in never stops. When I refer to "supporting the horse, I mean offering the above.




Learning to have prioritize and raise your self-awareness, asking yourself questions, and believing the horse's body language, improves the support and specificity you offer the horse. This in turn increases the chance of his willingness to try what is asked of him.