Points To Remember

• My training goal is to create a partnership with the horse where mutual trust and respect is established and the horse volunteers to learn and perform in a safe manner.
• We accomplish this goal by understanding the horse’s world and the four Principles they operate under. Those principles form the core of my training philosophy.
• But before I describe them, allow me to list three extremely important points to remember – because they drive the four Principles.

I train horses using their own language, which is based on a fundamental understanding of their world. Their world is based on four simple Principles around which everything revolves. It’s an orderly world that makes sense to the horse, and these four Principles are deeply ingrained and unchangeable. They have served to guide a horse’s behavior in a herd and they have allowed them to survive as a species for eons. Thes four Principles are described below.

If the horse mentally (and instinctively) checks off these criteria, it will perceive that horse (or person) under inspection as a leader, and it will show acceptance by following that leader. But if the horse’s checklist is not fulfilled, it will not regard the other animal or person as a leader and the horse will simply ignore it.

Obviously, if a person recognizes and fulfills this checklist, then that person will be perceived by the horse as a leader. And that’s the most crucial element in training.

In contrast, they have little regard for those they deem inferior to them. In fact, they will do almost anything to please the leader, and the leader can just as easily be a person. This is why they can attempt scary obstacles and perform incredible tasks – but only if the leader asks.

Horse instinct represents a different kind of intelligence that is difficult – if not impossible – for humans to comprehend. Their instincts, which may seem illogical or inappropriate, can frustrate and intimidate us. And often, their instincts even beat us when it comes to training them. That usually causes us to do even more to get the horse to perform a task while getting even less in return. When both horse and trainer are not mutual listeners then instinct will win out every time and you’ll achieve nothing.Later we will talk about how instinct and trust are woven together with a tight yet fragile thread.

Just because a horse doesn’t understand our spoken language doesn’t for a moment mean it is incapable of communicating. Actually, nothing can be further from the truth. I’ve learned certain key “phrases” in their language and fully appreciate that it’s only the tip of the iceberg in a much grander form of communication. As when humans visit a foreign land, a few choice foreign words, phrases or even a pocket translation book can go far. That will allow you to communicate basic information with relative ease. Likewise, knowing some choice “horse phrases” also goes far.

For example, an ear twitch can cause other horses to move aside. Just watch an alpha mare; she doesn’t move aside for any other horse. If she’s forced to move then something major is upsetting the herd and you can expect her to kick or bite. Thus, they can process volumes of information just by glancing at the body language of another horse or person.

When training, we must be consistent with our cues. And remember that the less we do (like minimizing our movements) to ask the horse to perform a task, then the more authority we have in the horse’s mind.

Horses are incredibly sensitive at reading and feeling this energy from others. They are keenly aware of the bubble’s boundaries for every individual. If you watch a strong alpha mare in the herd, her bubble – her space – is very clearly defined. Yet it changes constantly. At times other horses are invited into the bubble of another. Also, the size of this bubble depends on each horse’s comfort level. I’ve seen bubbles extend sixty feet or more in diameter. The bubble’s size depends on the horse and the current physical situation in which the horse finds itself.

The dynamics of the Bolender Bubble are pretty much the same for people. I love my horse and I enjoy when he’s near. But I keep him outside of a safe boundary. Any horse I handle will quickly learn what my expectations are on the ground. It’s not a matter of love, respect or authority but personal safety.

Instead, sharp and clear signals like a hand flinch or line flick, will do just fine to send the message. Remember, the less you do the more it means to the horse. It’s the equivalent of putting your ears back or a sharp snort. Soon you’ll only need to ask the horse with dignity and respect in your voice and (slight) actions. The horse will then honor your request in a willing manner, no matter what situation you find yourself in.

This is a crucial problem but one that’s easily managed. So, first and foremost, you must establish yourself as your horse’s leader – superior to it in the pecking order – even if it’s just you and your horse in the “herd”.

To establish yourself as the leader, you will be asking your horse to perform tasks, such as navigating obstacles. You will be communicating with signals that are clear to the horse. Your leadership will be affirmed in the horse’s mind because you will be using slight movements and consistent signals when asking it to perform a task.

Begin by creating a Bolender Bubble for your horse. Remember that establishing a Bolender Bubble requires you to appreciate that tiny movements speak volumes to a horse. A good first step in establishing the Bolender Bubble– and clear communication with the horse – is to ask your horse to complete a task without moving your feet. Remember, slight movements are crucial, and whether or not you see it, your horse is carefully watching your feet for any movement. A superior horse – a leader – will not move or step aside to allow an inferior horse some space. Thus, your horse will see your non-movement as an enormous declaration of your superiority.

Once your leadership is established, ask your horse to try again. But respect it by watching and listening when it needs more time to think. Timing, along with the ability to read your horse, is critical when either asking for more effort or allowing it time to process your requests.

Some clues that the horse is processing your request is nosing the obstacle, ears pointing forward, snorting, pawing and shaking. Give it the time it needs to work things out in its mind. You can see determination in its own slight movements as it considers what it needs to do next. A good listener will respect the horse’s need for time while it processes the scenario. If you, the leader, are clear and consistent in your request, the horse will work to please you.

From this leadership, trust begins to evolve because the horse’s instinct says that leaders are to be trusted. However, know that this hierarchy is not permanent. It’s a horse’s nature to constantly test whether you’re worthy of trust and leadership. Your horse may try to make you flinch or move your feet to see if you’re still worthy of such trust and leadership. So don’t ever let your guard down. Always keep in mind that less is more when asking your horse to complete tasks. Slight movements or “requests” are perceived by the horse as deliberate commands by the leader.

When you listen to what the horse is asking, you can answer clearly, and at the same time acknowledge your superiority to the horse. It will return the favor by giving you every ounce of its effort.