Training Horses with Appreciation and Kindness

I have the pleasure to see appreciation and kindness every day at the barn, when the ladies come out to spend time with their horses. While riding is usually a part of that time, just as often they simply come because they enjoy hanging out with their equine friends. These wonderful women prove every day that love and compassion for the horse itself (not just the sport of riding) is vitally important to a lot of owners.

Even as a trainer, for me, the emotional connection and bond with the horse remains the most rewarding part of the sport. In order to establish such a bond, however, we need to approach the horse with appreciation and kindness at all times.

While we certainly have to ensure that the horse is respectful of us, we can never forget to show them the same respect in turn. In addition, we need to learn to never take anything for granted, to remember that we can do whatever we do to them simply because they allow us to.

Submission definitely plays a big role in the relationship between horse and human. And many people simply regard horses as a "lesser intelligent" being which is basically dumb enough to let us humans manipulate it. But when it comes down to it - They are stronger than us, easily capable of hurting, if not killing us. And as such reserve the utmost respect for also having been graced with the patience to deal with us.

Take something as simple as picking up a hoof, for example. While I certainly expect the horse to do so, I also always give him a quick pat or scratch as soon as I'm done - just a quick sign of appreciation that he allowed me to do so.

Unacceptable behavior needs to be corrected. But appropriate behavior also needs to be rewarded to ensure that the horse actually enjoys interaction with humans, rather than just tolerating and submitting to it. In the end, you will have a much safer relationship with your equine partner.

The same applies when training horses. Rewarding and appreciating good behavior and the effort that the horse puts in every day will go a long way in building deep, lasting relationships.We have the unique ability to form an emotional bond with an animal in this sport. To have them become our partners, not just a means to an end. So why not utilize this to the highest extend?

It never hurts to be a little humbled by the fact that such a magnificent creature has chosen to put his fate in our hands. And that (most of them, anyway) chose every day to try and please us to the best of their abilities.

There are so many ways in which to show appreciation and kindness to the horses we work with every day, even as trainers.No matter how serious we are about our training programs, we should always remember to let each horse know that is is special and important. Especially, if it is having a bad day.

It begins with a simple greeting. Whenever I first see the horse (whether in the barn or in the ring), I take a moment to simply greet him. Rub his forehead, pat his neck and simply take a few seconds to say "hello". During this time, I also try to sense how he is feeling today. This simple gesture lets the horse know that you actually care about him.

The moment I am on the horse, as soon as I am seated and have my stirrups, I give the horse a big pat and scratch. A simple "thank-you" for the fact that he is letting me do this. (And I silently hope that if the horse ever has a really bad day, he remembers the fact that I appreciate him letting me get on him every day and decides to not dismount me).

This also sets the tone for the whole session. Most horses love to please. And the more we let them know that they are pleasing us (even with things we take for granted every day), the more eager they will be to earn even more of those rewards. Ideally, horses should look at the training session as something fun and enjoyable, a chance to earn rewards, to feel pride and accomplishment.

Rewarding the horse should continue throughout the training session in order to encourage the horse to offer you a little more every day. A quick pat on the neck, a quick "good" muttered every time the horse does something right can go a long way. I don't think I ever make it around the ring a whole time without doing either one or the other.

Particularly when working on a trouble area does it become extra necessary to reward the horse for its effort. Whether that be something as little as bending and stretching a tight area a little further, or schooling a more complicated move. Even the slightest sign of cooperation toward the desired result should be rewarded. Never wait for perfection to give such a reward!

Once again, keep in mind that the horse could just as easily buck you off than submit to what you are asking of him. By showing the horse that you understand that this particular move is hard for him, you encourage him to try anyway, rather than simply demanding it. Forcing the horse and breaking through resistance can certainly work for some horses. But, most of the time, it eventually leads to unwilling or even dangerous behavior under saddle. Something that could easily be prevented with a little encouragement.

You always want to maintain that "want to please" attitude in a horse. By patting them or telling them "good" every time they make an effort (no matter how much better the end result should be), you are ensuring that you will continue to have a willing partner. You will also ensure that the horse will begin to be willing to work past it's own physical limitations. After all, rewards are so much fun.

Once the session is over and I get off the horse, I once again give them a big scratch and pat to thank them for their work. Just another quick moment to let them know that I care about them and appreciate them. Not to mention that I appreciate the fact that I reached the ground voluntarily, with no extra help on their part. I also make sure to instantly loosen the girth to make the horse more comfortable, even if I got off the horse right in front of the barn. The girth gets loosened the moment I am off his back.

Particularly whenever a horse didn't have a good day it is important to still reward them for the effort. To let them know that it is ok if they're not always feeling 100% as long as they still try. Whenever I do feel like something doesn't feel right with the horse, I only do a very short, light session, if anything at all. A willing equine partner will never "fake" not feeling well, and will try even if he is sick or hurting. It is vitally important to get a feel for the horse under you, to never push him when something isn't right. 

In the barn, you can show kindness and appreciation in lots of ways also.

The first is to learn your horse's personality trades and to work with them. Some like to be pampered, others loved, some want to be all business and serious about things. The more each individual horse is allowed to display it's personality, the happier it will be.

Here too, simple pats, scratches and "goods" will go a long way in everything we do. When the saddle gets put on, whenever he reaches for the bit as you're putting on the bridle, every time the girth goes up another hole, .... Never take anything for granted. Here, already, we can instill a little sense of pride in a horse by thanking them for the simple little every-day stuff. (And please DO take your time tightening the girth!)

When you make an effort to let your horse know that you appreciate everything he lets you do, you will build a much stronger relationship with him.

And - who knows - there might come a day when you are faced with a situation in which the horse will remember your appreciation and kindness, and chose to watch out for your well-being, rather than simply preserving his own.