For years, I operated under the firm belief that I had mastered the art of horse training. My accolades in reining competitions, international clinics, and successful client collaborations all pointed to a well-understood craft. Yet, a crucial element remained elusive: truly listening to the horse. It took a horse named Sherlock to dismantle my preconceived notions and usher in a new era of understanding.
Warwick Schiller, a renowned horse trainer, emphasizes the profound impact of truly hearing what horses communicate, even through the most subtle cues. His journey, marked by a pivotal experience with Sherlock, highlights a paradigm shift from conventional training methods to a more empathetic and responsive approach.
Evolving Training Methodologies
When faced with a training challenge, my instinct was to revert to the basics, meticulously rebuilding each step to ensure a solid foundation. However, Sherlock presented a unique case. While outwardly obedient, there was a palpable lack of engagement, a sense of his spirit being elsewhere. He wasn’t defiant; he simply retreated inward, his tension manifesting as a quiet withdrawal rather than explosive reactions. My established techniques offered no solace, leaving his tension unaddressed.
Sherlock’s subtle resistance prompted a deeper exploration beyond my comfort zone. I began seeking alternative training methods that wouldn’t lead to such emotional shutdown. Initially, I incorporated clicker training, aiming to offer a different perspective on requests. Yet, the core issue persisted: it remained a process of me asking and expecting, a dynamic Sherlock clearly resisted. After a hiatus from clicker training, I encountered articles discussing the significance of micro-expressions and subtle head movements in conveying a horse’s emotional state. This insight underscored the importance of observing outward cues to understand a horse’s internal experience—the very essence of listening.
The Listening Breakthrough
A clinic in Texas became the crucible for this newfound understanding. A nine-year-old mustang, prone to bolting under saddle, was the focus. During the groundwork phase, the horse repeatedly blocked his owner’s approach by turning his head. My initial inclination was to physically guide his head back, but I opted to experiment. Taking the lead rope, I attempted to walk alongside him. As he blocked me, I immediately stepped back, ceasing all pressure. I waited, allowing him to process the interaction. Though I wasn’t fully conscious of the message I was sending, the horse understood. Instead of correction, I offered acknowledgment of his discomfort by releasing pressure. This dance of advance and retreat continued for nearly twenty minutes.
Eventually, the mustang ceased blocking me. I was able to disengage his hindquarters and move freely. After returning him to his owner with instructions to let him stand quietly, a collective gasp drew my attention. The mustang had collapsed to his knees and then his belly, fast asleep. He awoke, shook himself off, and promptly fell back asleep. His owner confirmed this was highly unusual. The next day, he slept for four hours, unfazed by the arena’s activity and spectators.
Research later revealed that horses require approximately 30 minutes of lying down daily for restorative REM sleep. Deficiencies can lead to nervousness and behavioral issues like bolting. Over three years post-clinic, the mustang has not bolted since. This experience was transformative, marking the first time an issue was resolved not through training, but by truly listening to the horse’s concerns.
The core principle is to communicate that you are aware of their anxieties and to provide the time and space for them to process. This shift requires setting aside personal judgments and expectations, fostering a partnership where the horse feels supported. Cultivating this mindfulness has yielded remarkable improvements in the horses I work with.
Understanding Herd Dynamics and Safety
Horses naturally feel vulnerable when separated from their herd. This insecurity stems not from physical threats, but from the loss of collective awareness—the “eyes and ears” of the group. By noticing subtle signs of tension, we not only acknowledge their feelings but also demonstrate our own heightened awareness. This shared vigilance offers a sense of safety akin to the herd’s, promoting relaxation. When we prove ourselves trustworthy, horses can relinquish their constant state of alert and allow us to assume the role of protector. This, in turn, enables them to achieve essential REM sleep and return to a state of homeostasis, rather than remaining perpetually in fight-or-flight mode.
During a session with Barb stallions in Morocco, I observed similar patterns of distraction and pushiness. Releasing them into a round pen, I focused on gaining their attention with a flag, avoiding any forceful commands. Even a slight ear flick towards me or the flag prompted me to withdraw the pressure. Soon, the stallions became remarkably calm and settled. As they relaxed, they began to engage with me, transforming from unsettled and nippy to connected and respectful.
This approach, devoid of force, yielded rapid and impressive results, even leading to a playful, albeit perhaps lost-in-translation, demonstration of an “invisible halter and lead rope.” The underlying message is that a respectful, peaceful, yet powerful training method can foster willing, connected, and relaxed equine partners.
Embracing the Shift in Training Philosophy
However, truly listening requires confronting uncomfortable truths. Your horse might not be ready for the trail alone, or separation anxiety may need addressing on the ground before advancing. Prioritizing your horse’s mental well-being necessitates adjustment, and initially, your horse may seem uncertain. Yet, the breakthroughs experienced through this empathetic approach offer a path from which there is no return. As you delve deeper into listening, your connection with your equine partner will strengthen, potentially even enriching your human relationships.
This article was originally published by Horse Illustrated.
