Have you ever heard someone call his or her horse an unpleasant name? Have you ever seen someone scold or punish his or her horse, sometimes over and over again? Have you ever seen a horse act jumpy or spooky because he is afraid of being scolded? If you have answered "yes" to any or all of these questions you are most likely witnessing a reactive rider or handler. A reactive person is one that will try to control the situation after the horse has already done something the handler did not want him to do. Reacting to what a horse did or does is common and a typical action to take. Unfortunately, when we are reactive in nature, we are letting the horse control us. We all are reactive to some degree but should strive to be the active partner in relationship. Let me explain:
As soon as you come within sight of your horse, the two of you begin relating. When you enter the pasture or a stall, something will happen. One of you will take the active role and control the situation and the other will react to what the active partner did. Much like a leader and a follower. For example, in order to catch your horse, you must be able to give the horse the proper signals or cues to complete the task. Your primary goal should always be to have control of your horse so that you can get him to do what you want him to do when and where you want him to do it. Why? First and foremost for your safety. Every rider or handler should strive to be the leader or active partner, as close to 100% of the time as possible.
How do you become an Active Partner?
You must first start to think in terms of being an active partner.
You must no longer "wait and see" if the horse will choose to dive for grass, stop at the arena gate, nudge you with his nose, trot before you ask, etc. Becoming an active partner takes practice. You will not automatically become an active partner.
Always handle your horse where you know you will be in control.
This is a safety rule you should live by, no matter what you are doing with your horse. When doing something new, most people choose a safe enclosure or a familiar place to work the horse.
You need a lesson plan before you even go near your horse, even if you are only going to do something for a few minutes.
You must already have in mind the way you are going to ask the horse to respond to your requests. You will be ready to give a signal first and the horse will need to respond to your requests.
Always be "one second" ahead of your horse.
Be ready to ask your horse to do something before he has the time to do something on his own. A perfect example is when a horse tries to eat grass when you are leading him. How many times do you see people pulling or dragging the horse’s head up off the ground? If you ask the horse to do something just before he thinks about eating, you will be the active partner.
Ask your horse to do simple tasks.
Establish a pattern where you ask and the horse responds. When doing this, stay focused on what you are asking and watch for the correct response.
Develop a communication system or cues that are consistent.
Find a system that you and the horse are comfortable with. I use the "pressure and release" method (see previous articles on motivators).
Try to eliminate punishment from your training as a consistent method of feedback.
You will often see people scolding their horse by yelling, spurring, whipping, banging the mouth with the bit, etc. The truth of the matter may be that a horse that does not respond to your cues does not understand the cues. If the horse knew the cues, he would perform properly. Instead you see the horse taking the punishment for something that he was not taught well enough in the first place.
If you are not quite satisfied with your relationship and you think your horse is still in control during certain situations, take a step back and analyze the situation. How can you take that situation, break it down into its smallest parts and become the active partner? Develop a plan and stick to it, have consistent cues, work where you are safe, ask for simple tasks, stay one second ahead of your horse, and try to eliminate punishment. When you do so you are developing skills to become the active partner. Do not forget to reward often and you will be on your way to creating a relationship with your horse that you have always hoped for.
