| Horses prior to domestication were solely herd animals | | | | of a horse that constantly stops at a particular spot |
| and as such developed their own language. Just | | | | and refuses to move. Why? First we need to work |
| watch a mare and her foal and you will soon see the | | | | out what the horse gets from this action. He must be |
| subtle signs of communication between them. The | | | | getting something positive (in his mind) if he keeps |
| foal's persistent nudging at the mares flank indicating its | | | | doing the same thing. That is he will only change if this |
| desire to feed (drink), or the mare's assertive indication | | | | action no longer meets his need. |
| of ears laid back and nose pointed towards another | | | | Notice his body language, where are his ears pointing, |
| horse she wishes to drive away. All horse | | | | this is a clue to where his attention is focused. When |
| communication is centred on the natural ‘fight or | | | | you lunge your horse his inside ear is usually pointed at |
| flight' syndrome of wild animals and horses are | | | | you in the centre of the circle giving you some respect |
| ‘flight' animals they are not predators, they are | | | | an attention. To read these signs it is easiest to work |
| essentially social creatures. | | | | from the ground up. Work the horse on the ground in |
| Our horses are constantly communicating with us, | | | | the same spot, does the same problem exist, if so we |
| showing us they are relaxed and understand our | | | | can determine it is not a rider instigated issue. Place |
| request through a lowered head, licking of their lips and | | | | your horse on the lunge and work him around the area |
| a chewing action, or that fearful look with head up and | | | | and gradually work to the specific spot and as he |
| intense eyes constantly focused on you (or what ever | | | | approaches s the exact problem spot encourage him |
| they are frightened of) and a tense body seeking to | | | | to move through it by asking for an increase gait (trot |
| fly from the origin of their fright. | | | | to canter), we need to refocus his attention to us and |
| So it is vital if we are to work out why our horse does | | | | not his distraction. Once he moves through be positive |
| various things to actually ask ourselves "what is he | | | | in your reactions, give him a rub (reward him), show |
| trying to say" because just like children they are trying | | | | him there is nothing to fear. HINT: As he approaches |
| to communicate something the best way they can. | | | | the problem spot visualise him moving through at an |
| We just need to ‘listen' and then work out how we | | | | increased gait. |
| can help them deal with the issue. Take the example | | | | |