“The horse does one of two things. He does what he thinks he is supposed to do, or he does what he thinks he needs to do to survive.” Ray Hunt

This quote made me think…

How can we build such trust with our horse and make him/her feel so safe that they can spend their attention on how to work with us rather than flipping into fight/flight mode and being focussed on survival?

I believe this trust-building begins off the horse, and even before we even walk into the stables! Horses are such sensitive beings and immediately pick up on our energy. So, check in with yourself before getting out of your car. How have you been affected emotionally/energetically by your day? What are you carrying into the barn?

Even 2 mins of calm breathing can positively impact your nervous system and send a completely different message to your horse when you walk through the door

Taking time to brush your horse and make them feel cared for and loved before you jump in the saddle is another way to develop a trusting relationship, off the horse.

And in the saddle? There are many different ways how you can make your horse feel safe. One which I believe is important is being in charge of your horse in a kind and compassionate way. The horse is a herd animal and it’s instinct tells it to follow the lead horse. You want to become that lead horse. By kindly, yet with persistently demanding its attention to rest on you. By watching it’s reaction to your requests and immediately giving it positive or negative feedback on its response. By being the alpha animal in your relationship, you reaffirm that they can trust you with their survival and well-being.

A loving pat on the neck after your horse has done something right, doesn't only send a positive signal to the horse, but also is a cue to bring them back into their body (which we do in mindfulness exercises with humans, so why not use the same wisdom with your horse?!).

What exercises do you practice to build trust with your horse?

Namasté

Anna