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Mastering horse training: Teach understanding before expecting more

Girl hugging her horse from the saddle.

Have you ever watched a rider struggle with a frustrated horse that just won't cooperate? More often than not, the issue isn't stubbornness - it's confusion. Before we expect faster, sharper responses, we need to make sure our horses truly understand what we are asking.

The power of basics

Many riders are eager to move past the 'boring basics' and jump straight into higher levels of their chosen discipline. What they don't realise is that the basics are where the magic of advanced riding begins. A horse that responds willingly to the lightest of aids has a solid foundation for effortless, beautiful riding.

Unfortunately, many riders expect too much before their horses are properly prepared. We often see horses being asked to jump higher, fun faster, climb dressage levels, spin quicker, or slide longer before they:
  • understand the request
  • are physically capable of performing the request
Without this preparation, the result is often one of two extremes: a tense, anxious horse acting out of fear (the 'crazy' horse) or a shut-down, unresponsive horse (the 'lazy' horse). Instead of taking the time to build understanding, riders frequently resort to bigger spurs, harsher bits and mechanical gadgets to force the horse into compliance. 

As legendary horseman Ray Hunt once said:

"We expect immediate learning from a horse. We expect him to go from kindergarten to the eighth grade - to high school - to college without enough time, preparation, or consideration for his thoughts and feelings... We skip all that preparation because we are so superior, or neglectful, or lazy. Because we haven't prepared ourselves to recognize the horse’s feelings.” 

Teaching understanding before expectation

To build a horse's confidence and ability, we must allow them time to find the right answers before demanding precision or speed.

Required tools for success
Teaching a horse to understand a request means applying consistent aids with good timing, waiting patiently for them to stumble across the right answer, and immediately releasing pressure as a reward. Positive reinforcement (verbal praise, pats or treats) can also help cement the correct response and encourage the horse to try again.

Be a fly, not a tiger!

When introducing a new request, the pressure applied should never be so strong that it causes pain. A horse can feel a fly land on its skin - so be a fly, not a tiger. A horse cannot learn when they are frightened. The goal is understanding, not submission through fear.

Example: teaching standing beside the mounting block

A common challenge riders face is teaching a horse to step over to a mounting block. Many struggle by steering their horse back and forth with the reins, moving themselves around to tap the offside and repeating this cycle as the horse continues to move out of a suitable, safe mounting position. This jumble of unclear requests creates frustration for both horse and rider.

Step-by-step approach to understanding

  1. Remove the mounting block from the equation. First focus on teaching the horse to yield their hindquarters towards you.
  2. From the ground, use a stick or whip as an extension of your arm.
  3. Apply consistent tapping pressure to the offside hindquarters from across the back of the horse - just enough to be an annoyance, never to inflict pain.
  4. Remain patient. The horse may try many incorrect responses before attempting to step toward you. Do not increase pressure out of frustration.
  5. Reward the slightest try. The moment the horse makes an effort to step towards you, release all pressure immediately.
  6. Allow a short break. Let the horse stand relaxed before walking forward and repeating the process.

A word of caution

Horses can respond in many ways while trying to find the correct answer, sometimes exhibiting ignorance, frustration or other behaviours that might frighten the handler. 

Remember: The moment you release pressure, you are telling the horse, "that was the correct answer." If you release too soon out of fear or frustration, you may inadvertently teach the wrong response.

Know when to ask for help

There is a reason for the saying, "Green horse plus green rider equals black and blue." Riders with little experience often struggle to apply new knowledge while working with an untrained horse. Seeking help from an experienced trainer can prevent misunderstandings and setbacks.

It's important for the rider to be involved in this process - not just to educate the horse, but to learn the correct positioning, aid and timing of pressure and release. A well-trained horse will quickly unlearn correct responses if handled by an inconsistent rider.

Understanding unlocks potential

Teaching understanding should be the foundation of every request - on the ground, under saddle, and at every stage of training. When the basics are clear, the potential for higher-level skills is limitless.

Remember

"The basics are where the magic happens!"

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Location: Queensland, Australia