There is a word that gets thrown around so much that it’s meaning and even value is lost in technology. So let’s visit the Encarta dictionary definition of this word.
Communicate: 1. Convey feeling or thought; transitive verb to transmit or reveal a feeling or thought by speech, writing, or gesture so that it is clearly understood. 2. Understand one another; intransitive verb to share a good personal understanding.
Communication: 1. Exchange of information; the exchange of information between people, by means of speaking, writing, or using a common system of signs or behavior communicate 2. Rapport; a sense of mutual understanding and sympathy.
Are we getting the flavor of this discussion? Communication is the most vital yet most basic element we need to nurture in all relationships if we want them to thrive. This cannot happen if one becomes overbearing, closed minded, inattentive, overly submissive or fearful. There will be a shut down in communication or loss of respect.
Our main line of communication with our horses while riding is the bit and reins which should be one of the most respected areas of communication by horse and rider. It has been rightly likened to a telephone line. Most people will avoid calls from loud, obnoxious people; one-sided conversationalists; and pointless lengthy gabby callers. In like manner, the horse will begin avoiding conversations with riders with quick, harsh hands, hands that never let go, and hands that are constantly moving but not saying a thing.
Teaching horse to release to rein pressure and move the shoulders away from the handler
Jabbing, jerking, see-sawing, popping, and jingling the reins and bit are painful and annoying behaviors that discourage the horse and confuse your line of communication. Quick hands that snatch at the horse are equally bad as they don’t allow the horse time to respond before you are correcting and therefore leads to the horse becoming apathetic to your reins. We need to allow the horse time to participate in the conversation and when we do we will see his attitude improve.
We have to learn how to be polite and purposeful conversationalists. By keeping in mind that we are the ones initiating the conversation with our horse by touching the rein, we can work on improving our communication skills. Have a purpose in mind before you pick up the rein. Present the idea politely and if need be, spend time teaching your horse what it is you are expecting. Then, when the horse responds keep the communication line alive by releasing the horse so he knows he has responded correctly and will be willing to hear your next request. Then keep the line open by keeping your hands quiet between requests.
We have a request and a thank you on our side of the line and the horse has the response and your welcome on his side. We apply pressure to the rein and bit, the horse responds to the pressure and we release as soon as the horse responds in the requested manner. If you are consistent, the horse will become more willing, trusting, and even happy to fulfill your requests. Believe it or not, the horse is looking for a fair and consistent leader. They are lazy by nature and lead horse has too much work and responsibility for the average horse.
More good news, this transfers over into all interaction with the horse. There are many forms of pressure for the horse, just being near the horse places pressure on him. If we will learn to apply appropriate pressure and release it immediately when the horse responds correctly, we will continue building a solid relationship with good communication at the foundation.
