by Rebecca K.

Created on: January 22, 2012

Horses and humans are  essentially polar  opposites when it comes to the food chain and also when it comes to their interactions. Humans are predators are naturally more direct in their movements and actions whereas the horse as a prey animal is indirect. You will see horses approach a  strange object at angle or perhaps circle it a few times before drawing near. The human is more apt to grab a stick and approach a  threatening object head-on, it's our nature.

Due to this fight vs flight instinct, communication errors can happen easily between horses and humans. One must think like a horse. For example when approaching a horse in the paddock to catch him, if you walk in a straight line right up to them he is more likely to run away. Conversely, if you walk slowly up to him at and angle (approach their side instead of their head) you are more likely to have success. How many times does this happen without thinking? When you approach a horse head-on you are telling him "go away, this is my space."

Other miscommunications happen while lounging or doing groundwork with a horse. If you are standing in the center while lounging your horse, your body position speaks volumes, even  more-so than your verbal commands and aids. Think of drawing an  imaginary line that spits the horse in two halves, a front and back. While lounging if you step towards the back half you will drive the horse forwards. By stepping towards the front half you are starting to tell him to slow down. To stop the horse you can keep stepping towards his head and even step in front of him to stop him and make him change directions. It is important to be safe while trying this.

People are sometimes confused by their horses, "I just don't understand why he's doing this!" More often than not he's doing it because you're indirectly telling him to. Horse problems are mostly 75% human error and 25% of the time an actual horse issue. As riders, owners and trainers it's our job to understand the horses behavior. We must be critical of ourselves and ask, "Could it be something I'm doing wrong?" Many times we develop  habits that are incorrect in our riding and handling of the animal. We do these things without thinking, they become a reflex. In order to cure common horse/human miscommunications it's ideal to see a trainer or riding instructor. They can ensure that you are not miscommunicating and can work with the horse from there and  evaluate the situation.

While horses and humans are very different animals, they can get along harmoniously if the human espeically makes a valiant effort to communicate clearly and in a fair manner. Think like a horse, not like a person.You will have much more luck in your riding and training by following that little tip. It's a common philosophy that you are likely to hear from trainers like Buck Brannaman and Monty Roberts alike. 

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