Riding Horses in Real Time- Learning to stay mentally present

Riding in Real Time

During moments of unexpected or unwanted equine behavior, the human often tries to understand why "it" is happening. The reality is while their brain is desperately trying to process and search for understanding of the horse's behavior (often feeling like they are guessing,) they don't recognize how long they are leaving or "abandoning" the horse with their lack of communication while trying to sort their thoughts.

During moments of mental fear or concern, emotional chaos, and dramatic physical behaviors is when the horse needs the MOST guidance and clarity from the human. Offering specific, segmented communication as to what he can focus on, helping him to release his tension, and asking for behaviors he can offer, diffuses unwanted responses.

But because the equine's chaos can feel overwhelming to the person, they often do nothing "hoping" it'll stop, or they offer passive communication, which leaves it up to the horse to decide how to handle a situation.
If the horse gives an alternative undesired response, the human is then critical of him.

This vicious cycle of the human bailing and then critiquing the equine "teaches him" that every time he's concerned, he needs to take over and to avoid the human as their communication will only increase his fear.

Instead, by helping the horse learn how to stay mentally present and think through potentially unfamiliar or overwhelming scenarios by breaking things down into short, specific segments teaches him to trust the person, increases his willingness to search, gives him time to try, and can build his confidence. This then eliminates any reason for him needing to leave the human during any circumstance.
After which the person can then take time to mentally replay and recognize overlooked factors leading up to their "why" questions.