Most of us learnt early on the importance of describing words, how our words can change a story and evoke specific feelings in our audience.
When talking about horses, we have to remember that they don't have an understanding of good vs bad. Therefore they don't have the ability to do things with the purpose of being bad.
Often misunderstood by the fact that they do have the ability to learn what behaviors are met with what consequences/rewards. Which can create behaviors that get misconstrued as 'bad'.
For example, when the horse snatches the reins on a hack to put their head down they are rewarded with grass (which will create a horse that does this behavior regularly) or when the horse windsucks on a fence and is rewarded with a relief from stomach ulcer pain.
Horses cannot speak for themselves, it's our job to listen and advocate for them. From teaching riders, posting on social media, writing comments on a dressage test or supporting your child, its important for everyone, coaches, riders, parents, judges to use language that encourages problem solving, awareness and understanding vs blaming or ignorance.
The way we frame a situation—whether it’s a horse refusing a jump, bucking, leaning or spooking at a shadow—can significantly impact how riders perceive the situation and respond.
Changing Perspectives
It’s easy to label a horse as “naughty” or “stubborn” when things don’t go as planned. These labels often lead to frustration, punishment, and a feeling of working against the horse.
Instead of seeing a horse as behaving badly, consider the possibility that the horse is struggling to handle something or is confused. This change naturally encourages empathy and curiosity. For example:
When riders start to see their horses as partners rather than adversaries, their approach becomes more constructive. Instead of reacting with frustration, they begin to ask, “How can I help my horse understand or feel more confident?”
The Role of Language in Shaping Reactions
For me as an instructor, how I word something can significantly change how a riders deals with it. When we use problem-solving language, we model a mindset that riders will adopt over time. For instance:
Instead of saying, “They're being bad again,” say, “They aren't sure about this—let’s break it down for him.”
Instead of saying, “Why won’t you make them listen?” say, “Let’s figure out why they are hesitating and address it together.”
This kind of language frames every challenge as an opportunity to build trust and understanding, rather than a battle of wills.
How Positive Language Transforms Riders
1. Improved Confidence: Riders who learn to focus on solutions rather than problems feel more capable of overcoming challenges. They start to see themselves as problem-solvers and their horses as willing partners.
2. Resilience: Positive language helps riders develop patience and adaptability. Instead of feeling defeated by setbacks, they see them as opportunities to learn and grow.
3. Better Outcomes: Horses respond to calm, confident riders. When a rider’s attitude shifts from frustration to problem-solving, the horse feels less pressure and is more likely to cooperate.
The Ripple Effect
When riders learn to approach challenges with positivity and problem-solving, it doesn’t just improve their rides—it transforms their entire equestrian journey. Horses are no longer seen as objects to control, but as teammates to understand. This shift leads to a more rewarding experience for both horse and rider.
By using positive, problem-solving language, we not only create better riders but also more compassionate horsemen and women. And in the end, isn’t that what great horsemanship is all about?
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