Effective Communication between Horse & Rider

Horse riding can be both exhilarating and frustrating sometimes during the same ride. A failure to appreciate and understand the basics of horse temperament or riding mechanics can make the experience less than enjoyable. The opposite is just as true, having a genuine interest and respect for the horse and its capabilities coupled with a natural or acquired aptitude for communication and riding techniques then you are likely find horseback riding an exciting and relaxing leisure pursuit. In order to develop effective communication between horse and rider the first and most important aspect is simply TRUST. A trusting relationship developed on the ground (through ground work) enables you to develop an understanding of your horse's attitude, behaviour and demeanour. This work helps to learn whether your horse is is shy and needs encouragement, bold and forward and so requires a confident rider, or are they compliant and so able to follow your direction and leads. One of the major areas to work on whilst on the ground is the area of 'respect for space'. This applies to both the horse's respect for your space and your respect for theirs. Physical touch is a great manner in which to establish a pleasing relationship between the horse and yourself--for example, rubbing the horse's shoulder, back, and head-- then progress to applying pressure to instruct the horse to move into or away from your space. In addition to ground work, riders will benefit greatly from an understanding of horse physiology and mechanics (how they move), I their communication efforts with their horse. Dressage is the art of training the horse through the rider employing a variety of aids such as legs, hands, seat, spurs and whips by which to communicate with the horse via negative and positive reinforcement (comfort and discomfort). For example, applying pressure from your legs urges the horse to move, while placing your legs in a different place tells the horse to hold its position. You can also use your seat to slow the horse or push the horse in one direction or another. Understanding the horse's behaviour ahead of time allows you, as the rider, to anticipate the horse's reactions and conduct. For instance, if a horse normally appears willing and ready to work, but on another day exhibits anger and reluctance, then you should consider that something is wrong--either with the horse or with you, the rider. Anticipating the horse's reactions can help you decipher what aids to use, and how to stay one step ahead of the horse. Riders should remember that horses only do things for to reason; to obtain comfort or avoid pain. This is the primary focus of any training with horses; making the position or situation we want the most comfortable for the horse, and any other reaction that we do not want uncomfortable for the horse. Riders should remember that rather than blame the horse, they should realize that a misbehaving horse is often the result of a rider who is not effectively communicating.

I have trained and bred Arabian horses for over twenty years and have developed my skills through the guidance and philosophies of some of the greatest 'natural horseman' of their day. I have been influenced by such greats as Monty Roberts, Tom Dorrance and Ray Hunt. I only endorse techniques in horse training that comply with the philosophy that 'violence is never the answer'.

http://everythingbutthehorse.net/training-your-horse/ https://twitter.com/Akomplize http://horselibrary.blogspot.com

About the Author

I have trained and bred Arabian horses for over twenty years and have developed my skills through the guidance and philosophies of some of the greatest 'natural horseman' of their day. I have been influenced by such greats as Monty Roberts, Tom Dorrance and Ray Hunt.
http://everythingbutthehorse.net/training-your-horse/ https://twitter.com/Akomplize http://horselibrary.blogspot.com