In previous articles I’ve written for the Northwest Horse Source I have stressed the importance of a willing attitude in both horse and rider, and how that ultimately influences brilliant movement. I have discussed developing an attitude of “willingness to yield in a respectful manner” and how it is critical to achieving the four basic movements: forward, backwards, sideways (both into the bend and away from the bend), and crossing the hindquarters. So how do we set things up for success?  How can you develop a series of habits that will prove to the horse that you are capable of providing good leadership?

Horses have taught me that the answer lies in providing clear and consistent steps that prepare the human’s mind and body, and that are easily transmitted to the horse. I call these my “Horseman’s Protocol”.

1. Breathe 

It seems like such a simple concept. Most of us do it fairly well on a regular basis!  But somehow when it comes to riding we have a tendency to hold our breath, which tightens all the muscles and inhibits movement. That nice deep breath will prepare your posture and clear your mind. It helps you to become present, forgetting all the other worries in your world, and sets you up to focus on the horse.

2. Think 

Horsemanship is a thinking person’s art form. It requires observation, study, and practice. We need to become good coaches for our horses, and that requires a game plan. Can you imagine arriving on the playing field to find your coach daydreaming, without any thought about what skills you were going to practice that day, or how those skills will ultimately improve your game?  Take that deep breath, and think about your lesson plan.

3. Focus 

Many animals, and particularly horses, think in pictures. People with autism often report that they relate to their world and function in it by seeing a series of pictures to accomplish tasks. I have had great success in communicating to my horse not only thinking about what I am about to ask of him, but by clearly picturing us accomplishing the task together. Perhaps this process simply allows me to focus, which prepares my body language, but it sure does seem to work!

4. Prepare

Your seat, legs, and hands are the primary aids that remind the horse of the picture you are requesting. It is important that we keep two things in mind in regard to the use of aids.

First, aids should be used most often in the order of seat first, then legs, and last the hands. In our humanness, we are quite likely to start to affect the horse first with our hands, and therefore we are trying to influence the mouth of the horse, rather then the motor!  Remember that your seat primarily effects balance and engagement, while your legs influence pressure and impulsion. Your hands should come last to fix and refine, or give direction if the horse does not understand the instructions from your seat and legs.

Second, caution needs to be taken regarding the tools you can use to enhance your aids, such as the whip and the spur. Used properly, these tools should be considered reminders, not crutches, on which you and your horse rely to get the job accomplished. Get in, get out and use the whip or spur sparingly. These tools should reinforce your request, but eventually be discarded or worn only for the honor and heritage they invoke, such as the willow whip in high level Classical dressage.

5. Allow 

This may be the most difficult step in our Horseman’s Protocol. So many great horsemen and women have shared the need for patience!  As humans we are always in a hurry. We want to make something happen instead of working with the horse to allow him to find the right answer. Set it up and wait!  Allow the horse the time to figure out what you are asking of him.

6. Reward 

Here’s where horses are just like humans. We like to be rewarded and we like to know we have done a good job with a positive effort. There are many ways besides treats and pats to give your horse the reward he seeks. The first reward must come from your attitude or willingness to yield in a respectful manner.

You have to cognitively recognize his “try”, and give back to him through a release in your aids. A mental “atta boy” will go a long way in giving your horse the body language that says he has done a good job. It is not necessary to pet him every time. In fact, that may send confusing messages through your seat and leg aids. As you get better at recognizing his “try” and rewarding it, your horse will improve at willingly making the effort to respond positively.

Similar to a pilot’s preflight checklist, the Horseman’s Protocol is essential for a good ride with clear communication. As we get better at putting these steps together, they will move from being just cognitive to becoming mechanical, and eventually become flowing and quite natural. With practice, clarity, and consistency you will soon start to think and visualize the question, and the horse will already know the answer!

Other Resources:

True Horsemanship through Feel by Leslie Desmond editing for Bill Dorrance

True Unity: Willing Communication Between Horse and Human by Tom Dorrance and Millie Hunt Porter

Think Harmony with Horses by Ray Hunt, Millie Hunt Porter and Roy Hunt.

The Horseman’s Protocol

•           Breathe & Become Present

•           Think & Develop a Plan

•           Create a Picture & Focus

•           Prepare Your Aids

•           Allow

•           Reward