Clear aids and properly fitted tack and equipment
Communicating with your horse is about so much more than simply steering or stopping. It is an ongoing dialogue in which every small signal, every movement and every tone of voice means something to the horse. That is why it is essential that we use clear aids and make sure tack and equipment fits the horse properly, otherwise we risk creating confusion and frustration rather than partnership.
Anyone who has ever sat on a horse knows how easy it is to give mixed signals. One moment we ask for forward movement with the leg, only to hold back with the hand a second later. It becomes even worse for the horse if we do both at the same time. The horse, who is an expert at reading body language and subtle nuances, becomes uncertain. Should I move forward or stop? Just like us, the horse becomes stressed when communication is unclear, and that is hardly a foundation for confidence or progress.
We humans need to practise refining the timing of the aids and signals we give the horse. It takes many hours of practice and good body control to ride with an independent hand, which means that the hands are not used to maintain your balance, but can instead be kept still or moved independently of what you are doing with your seat and legs.
Tack and equipment also plays an important role in how clearly we can communicate with the horse. Whether you use a bit or a bitless alternative, the bridle must fit the horse well, and we need to understand which signals it applies to the horse and how.
A large part of our training with horses is built around release. A pressure or signal disappearing tells the horse it has done what we asked, such as making a transition or moving in a particular direction. It is therefore important that any pressure from the bridle we use to communicate is clear and is released promptly. For example, certain combination bits and complicated bridle designs apply several signals (pressures) at once and in several places in the horse's mouth and face, which makes things unnecessarily difficult, confusing and sometimes painful for the horse.
If you find it difficult to stop or steer your horse, sharper equipment is not the answer. For the welfare of your horse and your own safety, it is better to take a few steps back and focus on the basics of riding and training. Always start by ruling out pain or discomfort and check that tack and equipment fits well. Are your communication and aids working in walk and when leading the horse from the ground? If so, you can gradually increase the difficulty. Break exercises down into smaller steps, and do not hesitate to seek the help of a good trainer you trust.
Remember that soft, consistent aids, given one at a time and combined with properly fitted tack and equipment, are the foundation of safe and clear communication with your horse.
