I leave you with one final thought in preparation for next week's discussion. I have addressed many facets of the horse's language and instinct, which relate to and suggest the horse's hierarchy of needs. The horse's top needs are for safety and comfort. All other needs, such as for play, food and reproduction, can be addressed only after the requirements for safety and comfort have been met.
Once the issue of safety has been established, a horse then seeks to be comfortable (this means being away from things that feel like pressure to the horse). Pressure can manifest itself in many forms--the physical threats of a dominant horse, the presence of a perceived predator, a limiting or confining space, a piece of blowing plastic, a puddle, or a loud noise, to list a few.
Since questions of safety can evoke the horse's flight response, he will not tolerate discomfort for long before fleeing.
On the other hand, the horse finds security from being a part of a herd, specifically, a herd in which a leader is clearly defined.
It is your job to become the leader of your horse.
In the coming weeks I will instruct you through various groundwork exercises whereby you can practice moving your horse's feet in order to become recognized as his leader.
Until then, as you are with your horse, or if you have the opportunity to observe a group of horses, begin watching for the language that you now know exists.
Try to recognize who the dominant horses are (the ones who control movement) and who the subordinate members are (the ones whose movement gets controlled). Attempt to see the progressive stages of pressure the horse communicates with and how they are utilized to get the desired result. Begin considering what qualities or characteristics you notice in the herd leader, as well as in the subordinate horses. This will help you tune up your leadership.
Our aim with horses is to convey to them, through the means of pressure and release, that things they once considered as pressure, such as ourselves as predators, saddles, plastic, trailers, etc., are no longer threats to their safety or comfort. Through the practice and mastery of their language, we can assume the role of a recognized herd leader, satiating their need for safety and comfort. Out of which, we summon forth confidence in the horse, enabling his curiosity and create a relationship where he is able to place his trust in us. The result is then the inspiring union of horse and human existing out of a place of partnership.
About the author
Emily Johnson, owner of Mountain Rose Horsemanship Training, LLC, located in Broomfield, Colorado, is an accomplished horse professional with a passion for bringing horses and humans together through credible and approachable instruction.
Emily studied Equine Science at Colorado State University before spending the following years traveling, mentoring under many accomplished trainers nationwide, as she developed her own natural horsemanship style. Her training methods utilize a direct approach the horse naturally understands, which she combines with her knowledge of human learning to create the most effective environment for both.
Emily specializes in areas that include young or troubled horses, as well as horsemanship that emphasize the mind and behavior of the horse. Her instruction reflects her passion for equipping both horses and humans for success on their journey toward partnership. She may be contacted at mountainrosetraining@gmailcom
