Sometimes, it’s the smallest changes that create the biggest shifts.
In my recent review class, two powerful themes emerged that beautifully illustrate this. The first was the profound impact of subtle changes in our own body language and energy. The second was the importance of recognizing when our horses struggle and showing them we’re there to support them.
The Subtle Influence of Body Language
It’s easy to underestimate how much our posture, energy, and even our smallest gestures influence our horses. But in this class, we saw just how responsive they are to the tiniest cues. A simple lean back with the upper body can unknowingly invite the horse into our space. A single, seemingly insignificant step to the side can draw the horse with us. Even the position of our whip hand—if held slightly too high or pointed toward the shoulder—can cause a kind of constant energetic pressure that causes the horse to overbend.
It’s not just about what we do physically—it’s where we focus our attention. Fixed eyes, the direction where our toes are pointing while walking next to the horse, or even the direction of our belly button can guide or influence the horse without us realizing it. These subtle shifts can either support the horse’s balance and clarity or unintentionally create confusion.
It is amazing to see how adjusting these tiny details—softening a gaze, lowering the whip hand slightly, or becoming aware of our posture—could make an immediate difference in our horse’s response and help them become more balanced, more engaged, and clearer in their understanding.
Recognizing and Supporting Struggles
The second theme that resonated deeply was learning to notice when the horse is struggling and responding in a way that says, “I see you. I’m here to help.”
One example was when a horse lost its center of mass forward into the chest. As a result, tension crept into the lower neck and poll area, and the nose began to push slightly forward into the student's space. Instead of pushing through or trying to correct it with a lot of aids, it's best to pause and let the horse know that you notice and are there to support. A good way to do so is, for example, to stop moving, gently touch the chest to make the horse aware, and softly ask the horse to shift its weight back or even take a slight step backward to reset. Wait until you feel that the horse resets as well and is not still caught in his previous thought/feeling and then continue with your original plan. This simple reset helps the horse rebalance, releasing tension and allowing us to start fresh with a better foundation.
Moments like these remind us that our role isn’t just to direct, but to observe, feel, and respond. By tuning into our horse’s needs and struggles, we create a space where they feel supported and understood. This fosters trust and encourages them to search for better balance and clarity alongside us.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of horse training lies in these subtleties—in learning how our smallest shifts can lead to the most profound changes, and in recognizing when our horses need us to step in with gentle support. When we become more aware of our own body language and energy, and when we listen closely to what our horses are telling us, we open the door to deeper connection and more harmonious movement.
What subtle shifts have you noticed in your own work with horses? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below!
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