Explaining Horse Behavior - Raising Awareness

Alternative Horsemanship Word of the Day...

Over the years, I have developed my own lingo when I'm teaching students. I thought I would share some of the words that I bring up to make a point to students of what is often normalized or ignored, should not be part of the equine interaction. It can reflect defensiveness, tension, and anticipation in the horse.

 

Word of the Day: Accordion Effect

Shortening of the horse's topline: from the tips of the ears to the base of his neck, to the withers, through the back, along the top of the hindquarters, and down into the horse's hocks. 

 

This creates stiff and resistant movement, with the stride short and choppy, similar to the upright movement of a sewing machine needle. The equine's step has a more up and down action rather than rhythmic, balanced, forward rotation in a relaxed manner. Often, there's a rocking or stepping back to go forward.

 

This reflects a horse that lacks a "forward-thought," with his entire body shortened, similar to that of an accordion.