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 being 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 be similar to feedback he'd receive from interacting with other horses.
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Pressure should be considered 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 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 its misuse through a person’s attempt to control and micromanage the horse's movement.
Pressure forcing a horse into submission through physical dominance, 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 “busyness” 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 common contributors leading to a horse’s resistance towards any form of pressure.
If you are interested in refining your understanding, check out the Pressure Points webinar you can find on the Remote Horse Coach video catalog
Pressure should be considered 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 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 its misuse through a person’s attempt to control and micromanage the horse's movement.
Pressure forcing a horse into submission through physical dominance, 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 “busyness” 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 common contributors leading to a horse’s resistance towards any form of pressure.
If you are interested in refining your understanding, check out the Pressure Points webinar you can find on the Remote Horse Coach video catalog
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