09/12/2025
There is so much information available these days, so many gurus to follow, so many contradicting methods that the flood of opinions on how to train your horse can be disorienting and at times discouraging.
I think there are some universal truths though that hold solid. Every horse person is going to make mistakes sometimes, it’s okay. Everyone is trying the best, everyone is learning. You can add nuance you can experiment with different methods. However these are the things I think are some are the most important philosophies to keep in mind on the journey.
1. Pressure and Release is the Horse’s Language
Most good horsemen know that timing the release of pressure is what teaches the horse. The release—not the pressure—is the reward, and that principle is timeless.
It’s also the most beginner friendly system. Other forms of training can be great and produce wonderful results too, but can also create a host of bad behaviours if done wrong and are not always forgiving if you make mistakes as you learn. We all make mistakes as we learn. It’s important to have one base level method and understand all the fundamentals before moving on to other methods if you wish.
2. You Can’t Rush a Horse
One of the truest saying when it comes to horses is “take the time it takes so it takes less time.” Trying to shortcut training usually creates bigger problems down the road.
3. A Calm Mind Learns Best
A tense or frightened horse may comply, but real learning only happens when the horse feels safe.
4. Repetition Builds Habit
Doing the same task consistently, day after day, is how horses became solid. Consistency builds reliability. This goes both ways, you need to be a consistent and reliable source of comfort for your horse every day no matter what to truly build a solid partnership.
5. A Horse’s Feet Reflect Its Mind
Where the feet go, the mind follows. What its body is doing is a great indication of a horses mental state. If you can help its body find a rhythm and relaxation its mind can catch up. I also think this is true of people. Move calmly and clearly around horses, no matter what your feeling and you yourself become calm and clear.
6. Soft Hands Make Soft Horses
Harsh hands create brace; soft hands build softness. This is true of ground work in a halter as much as it is riding and using the reins. No such thing as a heavy/strong/hard horses
7. A Horse Mirrors the Rider
No such thing as a “bad horse” problems came from people. A nervous, rough, or inconsistent rider created the same in the horse. I also find how you think of them is how they’ll behave. A reactive trainer who gets fired up never creates a clam horse.
8. Small Lessons Add Up
Instead of chasing big breakthroughs, focusing on small steps and beautiful basics will help you create a lovely willing horse capable of anything. A minute or two of good learning is more valuable than an hour of drilling.
9. Horses Crave Leadership, Not Domination
Horses are herd animals that follow a leader they trust—not a bully they fear. I’ve never felt the need to dominate a single horse I work with. Create a sense of security and confidence when they are around you and they will always do their work willingly.
10. You Never Stop Learning
The best horsemen never feel liked they’ve mastered it completely. Each horse teaches you something new, and humility is part of horsemanship. There is a lifetime of learning when it comes to horses but that’s the excitement of it all.
