How can we have connection and performance? What does the horse desire and how do they benefit?

Once we have built a base of connection with our horses, then it’s time to begin blending it into performance work. The important thing to remember is that performance and connection aren’t separate things but instead complimentary pieces of our training journey. 

Horses desire peace and safety. When we meet this need, their world begins to open up and they become willing partners in the work. This comes with a responsibility as our horse’s advocate to hold a reverence for their willingness and grace. It is our job to protect and honour their try.  When we do, having our horses seek us out under higher pressure situations becomes normal.

Working with our horses to feel connected and in balance will create flowing, graceful movement and a more willing partner. When their brain and body are in alignment, they will feel at peace, allowing them to learn and perform at their best. This takes time, but it’s so rewarding.

For us, we need to continue to develop our understanding of how our horses' bodies work, what kind of physio-therapeutic movements help build strength and elasticity along with taking the time to build the muscle to support us as riders. It can be challenging at times for us while we’re learning, but it’s worth the effort! There’s nothing quite like feeling our horses build confidence in themselves and what they’re capable of.

Once a horse understands how they can use their bodies in a balanced state, they will begin to hunt this out because it feels good to move with ease. Soon our horses will begin to move in balance even in their pasture because it feels good. Training in this way allows our horses to work more easily, with free flowing movement and a willingness to experiment with a newfound curiosity.