Talking Horse

July 10, 2014
Written by: Keith Hosman

Wouldn't it be cool if your horse spoke English and you could simply tell him what you were looking for when you're riding? Well, ta-da! Here's a trick to get your point across clearly, a technique that's simple and easy to remember. Just do this: Open your mouth and tell your horse what you'd like to see. Actually say it. Speak the words out loud: "I'm going to hold the rein until I feel you move your left hip to the right." "I'm going to release when I see your withers move directly to the right." "I'm going to ask you to speed up."

Here's an easy way to communicate with your horse, a way that's clear to your horse - and easy for you to remember.

This works because you're actually talking to your own body, telling it what to prepare for. (Kinda-sorta like when pro athletes visualize a winning play.) Without realizing it, you make small changes in the way you're riding and your horse feels this. Try this simple example: Hold your arm fully outstretched and say the word "slowly" very, very slowly as you bring your hand to your head very, very quickly. Now, try the reverse, bringing your hand to your nose slowly while saying "FAST!" loudly and quickly. You might be able move fast and say "slow" - but it ain't so easy, is it? At best, it's clunky. Same thing when riding your horse: Don't be clunky. Say it first, then do it.

Further evidence this works: For years, reiners have hummed to encourage their horses to slow down in their speed transitions because it causes the riders to sit more relaxed - and this relaxed seat cues the horse to slow. The rider can't help but "sit more relaxed" and the horse is given two signals: He hears the hum; he feels the rider's seat change. (If you go to a reining show - and aren't aware of this common trick - you'll really wonder to yourself why reiners are such a musical group.)

Talking Horse

Wanna teach your horse to drop its head and stay relaxed? When you're finished with this article, ﻿click here﻿ to read about the "Classic Serpentine."

Wanna teach your horse to drop its head and stay relaxed? When you're finished with this article, click here to read about the "Classic Serpentine."