The most critical moment in the relationship between the horse and the rider is when the rider attempts to communicate with the horse. The language between the horse and the rider is important. Horses communicate with each other by sight, vocalization, facial expressions, and body gestures. It's the skillful blending of this communication combined with light, soft touches of the rider's hands and legs that allow the rider and horse to hold a conversation with each other. In a given two-way dialogue, the rider may ask the horse to perform an exercise and the horse positively responds to the request. By thoughtful consideration of the horse's response, the rider should be able to understand when the horse is expressing, "Yes, I understand and am willing to perform the exercise." This interaction is often referred to as "success."

In addition, the rider should be able to "feel" by the way that the horse moves whether the horse has the physical and psychological strength to perform or not. If there is any doubt, the exercise should be aborted with no admonishments (punishment), vocal or otherwise, given to the horse. It is important to praise the horse for his or her good exercises, and withhold praise when the results are not satisfactory.

Riders should be honest with the horse, and over time it will react in kind. The rider must have consideration for the horse's attitude toward exercises, just as the horse should perceive them as something fun to do.

As long as the horse is enjoying the activity, it will willingly perform with all the joy and brilliance that Arabians are heralded for. Note: The rider should always remember that like a small child, the horse oftentimes has a short attention span and can easily become bored with any repetitive activity.

Trust is accomplished by never asking anything foolish or unwise of yourself or your horse. When schooled with kindness, understanding, and appropriate admonishments that are accepted by the horse as being fair, it will then develop an honest trust for the rider. The horse will rely more on the rider's judgment and less on its own instincts. However, before relinquishing its natural instincts, the horse must be absolutely sure that the rider will never do anything that causes it physical or psychological pain or discomfort.

As the relationship between horse and rider grows stronger, the rider eventually becomes so concerned about the horse's well-being that the horse will know the rider would never ask anything that would cause harm. It's at this point in the horse's schooling and awareness of its rider's intentions that the horse develops a thoughtfulness for the rider. The horse then becomes concerned with the welfare of its rider. Arabian horses are capable of performing exercises with great precision, consistency, and panache. However, sometimes the horse may abort an exercise if it perceives any danger to the rider. The rider must trust this caring gesture and give no admonishments for the horse's concern for its rider.

This level of relationship between the horse and rider where all elements of understanding, communication, trust, and kindness are present takes several years to cultivate, just like close human friendships. Those who desire this closeness with their horses must be patient and committed to the cause. This piece is intended to guide and help; it is not intended to be detailed instructions on the total schooling of a horse and rider.
Copyright © 1999 The GreenTree Group. Reposted with Permission

Arabian Riding School
Al Holloway