7 Questions to Improve Time with your Horse

I believe people can learn from many different forms of shared horse knowledge (even if it is what not to do,) BUT I find without a clear foundational basis, the constant barrage of "dos and don'ts" that drastically differ in shared horse training approaches, theories, and methods can be exhausting for the student to filter through.

I have found that for horse enthusiasts- universally- the lack of clarity in how, what, when, where, and why they do things with their horse leads to self-doubt, delay, and defensiveness during equine interactions.

To help "declutter" your horse-related thoughts, below are questions to ask yourself when you a have a minute to reflect. If needed, take time and write down your answers, then perhaps revisit your original response, refine it, or recognize if there is a lack of clarity. If there is, this is an indicator that you no consistent basis for the equine interactions.

In human terms, it'd be like arriving for your first lesson with me speaking to you in English, then the second time, I only speak to you in Spanish. Before the third session, you'd already be anticipative about "what" might happen... this would limit your availability to learn.

The same goes for your horse's chance of "successfully" (i.e. building his willingness, trust, and try) navigating what you ask of him. If you are inconsistent with foundational elements of how you communicate, it leads to defensive responses in the equine.

Your answers can be used as a "starting point" for recognizing if there are "holes" in either you or your horse's education.

If both you and the horse are unclear, how much or what, will be "learned" with each session?

1.) Sum up in one sentence your Horse Interaction Approach.

2.) How do you communicate with the horse and what are his response(s) to you?

3.) Why do you use your current approach?

4.) How much does the horse's communication matter?

5.) How do you interpret the horse's feedback?

6.) Does it influence how you interact?

7.) Do you have a separate ways to influence the horse's thought from his movement?

Even if you are clear in your answer today, does not mean you cannot revisit, revise, or adapt your "answers," ideas, and approach over time.

The more horse experiences you have while maintaining mental presence and self-awareness, the increased realization that refinement is a POSITIVE indication (and a necessary ingredient) for improving your horse skills and equine partnership.