Relax and Take a Breath

By Melissa Deal

Horsemanship is defined by Charles de Knuffy as “a complex science and when done well, a great art” and “very much a matter of scholarship and intellect.” To be a horseman of even average skill means many hours are spent developing a relationship with the horse. The duties of horsemanship are not only to bring joy but also hard work, requiring physical and mental acuity and discipline when performed with due diligence for the equine partner.

Considering that horses more often than not equate to hard work, horsemen expect success from their many hours of riding and training. To reap the benefits of the time, energy, money and passion spent, as an individual and as an industry, the truth is that more would be achieved if only the horse comprehended what was being asked of him and if he could ascertain how to meet these requests while feeling safe and secure.

Horseman can achieve their desired results gaining success for themselves and their horse, if they would incorporate techniques that are mentally (from the horse’s perspective) and physically (biomechanically) sound for the horse. By watching the breathing, blinking patterns, and mouth movement of a horse, one can learn much about the horse’s internal state of being. Did the technique applied work for the horse? What would be the response of the horse if it did?

If the horse was both mentally and physically comfortable within itself, meaning the training exercise just completed was a success, the horse will appear relaxed if given the opportunity. The jaw will move as the horse licks and chews (providing this movement is not restricted by tack), the breathing will be deeper, and the blinking pattern more frequent. If enough time is allowed between exercises for the horse to stand still, and the horse is truly comfortable because he has been helped by the exercise, he will often release a long breath, exhaling in a way that is not possible when tense and stressed. This state of being released long enough to relax, rewards the horse on an internal level and also provides time for more complete comprehension of the training itself. If a horse can be brought to a place of understanding through his training, it allows him to trust the handler or rider more, leading the way to more sophisticated exercises in the future.