For equestrians and horse lovers, building a profound connection with these magnificent animals is paramount. Frederic Pignon, co-author of the acclaimed bestseller Gallop to Freedom, alongside his wife Magali Delgado, has dedicated their lives to demonstrating a joyful and respectful union with horses. Their philosophy, centered on understanding and mutual respect, resonates deeply with anyone involved in equestrian sports, regardless of their specific discipline, breed, or ambitions. This approach emphasizes the importance of learning to “read” your horse, understanding their subtle cues to foster a stronger bond.
Decoding Equine Communication: The Nuances of Horse Body Language
The key to a harmonious relationship with a horse lies in understanding their communication. Frederic Pignon highlights that a horse conveys signals through every part of its body. By observing their nostrils, ears, eyes, and overall demeanor, we can begin to decipher their thoughts and feelings. The eyes, in particular, offer a window into the horse’s inner world, revealing their emotional state and satisfaction with the ongoing interaction.
When working or playing with a horse, it’s crucial to assess their contentment. Pignon emphasizes the importance of recalling the moments when progress was made and how it was achieved. Misunderstandings can create significant barriers, whereas genuine understanding begins to forge a powerful link between human and horse, leading to a feeling of being on the same wavelength and mutual acceptance.
Even when a horse is at rest, valuable insights can be gained through observation. Pignon prompts us to consider the meaning behind ear movements, shifts in weight between the feet, and the actions of shaking the withers. Interpreting the look in a horse’s eye—whether it’s “soft” or “hard”—can offer clues about their disposition. Similarly, observing how a horse stands in its stall when contented versus when uncomfortable can reveal much about its well-being.
While providing definitive answers to all these interpretive questions is complex, much like analyzing human behavior, the principle remains the same. Pignon encourages paying close attention to these indications and allowing instincts to interpret sensory observations. With practice, these observations become automatic, leading to the ability to perceive even more subtle signs. It’s important to remember that the same signal may not always stem from the same cause, for every horse or even for the same horse on different days. This process of “reading” a horse is akin to understanding people; with familiarity, one can instantly perceive when something is amiss.
The Indispensable Role of Concentration in Equine Partnership
Effective communication with a horse demands total concentration. Pignon stresses that this involves not only reading the horse with all senses—sight, hearing, and smell—but also focusing the mind on communicating one’s own thoughts and actively listening to the horse’s responses. This intense focus excludes extraneous thoughts, creating a dedicated space for interaction.
In everyday life, people understand the need for concentration in various situations. However, this requirement is sometimes overlooked when dealing with horses. An interruption, such as a phone call, can break not only the handler’s concentration but also that of the horse. When working with a horse, we ask them to set aside their current activity and attend to us. If an interruption occurs on the human’s end, it can be perceived as disrespectful, especially as we are striving to connect on the same wavelength. Horses are not as flexible as humans in switching focus. If a horse has committed its full concentration, and it’s disregarded due to a seemingly more important matter for the human, the horse may become hesitant to offer the same level of attention again.
Pignon utilizes breathing techniques as a method to relax both himself and the horse, thereby enhancing concentration. By breathing out in a manner the horse can understand and emulate, a shared rhythm is established. This process, though it may take time—as illustrated by the year it took for his horse Guizo to learn—leads to increased relaxation once the horse begins to breathe in sync. Pignon prefers to work alone during these sessions to maintain an undisturbed environment conducive to deep focus.
Frederic and Magali’s approach, detailed in their international bestseller Gallop to Freedom, offers a profound insight into building a relationship based on understanding and mutual respect. Their methods emphasize the “human-animal bond,” a connection that enriches the lives of both horse and handler. For those seeking to deepen their understanding of equine communication and training, exploring resources like Gallop to Freedom can be invaluable.
“Frédéric and Magali exemplify the art of humane training and illustrate the magical results of what is meant by the human-animal bond.” —Karen Rosa, Vice President, Film & Television Unit, American Humane
