Try to understand your horse
As a horse owner, it is essential to build a good relationship with your horse. This goes beyond just taking care of them and riding them. It is about mutual trust, understanding and cooperation. After all, your horse is more than just an animal - it is a mirror of yourself. By listening to your horse and really trying to understand him, you can build a special connection and grow together.
Trust yourself and your horse
The basis of a good relationship with your horse is trust. Not only must your horse trust you, but you must also trust yourself and your horse. This means daring to trust that your horse will do what you ask, but also trusting your own instincts and skills. Doubt and uncertainty are felt unerringly by horses and can disrupt communication.
You build trust by being consistent and honest in your dealings with your horse. Be clear in what you expect, reward good behaviour and be patient when things do not work right away. Do not force anything, but work step by step to build a strong bond of trust. With time, you will notice that you will become more and more attuned to each other.
Your horse as a mirror
Horses are extremely sensitive animals that unfailingly sense how their rider or handler is feeling. They respond to subtle signals in your body language, use of voice and even your heartbeat and breathing. In this sense, your horse acts as a mirror of your own state of mind and abilities.
If you are tense or stressed, your horse will pick up on this and be more likely to react with tension himself. If, on the other hand, you are calm, confident and focused, your horse will reflect this too. By being aware of this mirror effect, you can learn to better control your own attitude and feelings and thus communicate more effectively with your horse.
Sometimes it can be confronting to look in that mirror. Maybe your horse is reacting tensely or unwillingly, while you thought you were calm and confident. In that case, see this as a learning moment and an opportunity to work on yourself. Ask yourself what you radiate and how you can improve it. This way, you not only help your horse, but also grow as a rider and as a human being.
Listen to your horse
Horses are constantly communicating with their body language and behaviour. It is up to you to pay attention to this and try to understand what your horse wants to make clear to you. This requires keen powers of observation and the ability to empathise with your horse.
Pay attention to your horse's ears, eyes and overall posture. Is he relaxed with a friendly expression, or tense with a high head posture? Does he respond promptly to your aids or is he distracted and unwilling? All these signals give information about how your horse is feeling and whether he understands you.
Sometimes your horse can also make it clear that something is not right. Perhaps he shows painful behaviour while saddling, or reacts anxiously to certain stimuli. Always take these signals seriously and try to identify and address the cause. Your horse trusts you to take care of him and listen to him.
Work together with your horse
Horse riding is not a one-way street, but an interplay between rider and horse. You cannot expect your horse to do everything perfectly without your input and guidance. It is up to you to be clear in your aids and actively guide your horse.
Be consistent in what you ask for and reward your horse's effort. Give clear signals with your seat, leg and reins and react in time when your horse gives the desired reaction. This way, you build up the exercises step by step and work towards a goal together.
Working together also means taking your horse's capabilities and limitations into account. Don't over-demand him, but do challenge him to develop. Take your time for difficult exercises and be patient when things don't work out. With the right support and a positive attitude, you will get there together.
Keep learning and growing
Learning to understand your horse is a process that never stops. There is always more to discover about horse language, behaviour and training. So be curious, open to new insights and keep investing in your own development as a rider.
Take classes and clinics, read books and articles about horses and exchange experiences with other riders. The more you learn, the better you will be able to understand your horse and work effectively with him. Think of it as an exciting, lifelong journey that you take with your horse.
Ultimately, it's all about the bond between you and your horse. By trusting each other, listening to each other and working together, you build a unique relationship that enriches you both. Your horse has so much to offer you - it is up to you to learn to speak his language and see the mirror he holds up to you. This is how you grow not only as a rider, but also as a human being.
Enjoy the journey, appreciate every moment with your horse and continue to marvel at the wisdom and beauty of these magnificent animals. With an open heart and a curious mind, you can learn more from your horse than you ever thought possible. So embrace the challenge, trust the process and look forward to all that you will discover together.