Horse Training – Calming Your Horse

Most horse trainers often say that it is important to learn the language of the horse. If you know how to talk with horses, you can easily calm them whenever they feel uncomfortable. In horse training, you should have the ability to calm your horse when the need arises.

There are times when the horse gets frightened. It’s really amazing how the owner can calm the frightened horse. You might be wondering what made the horse calm – could it be the tone of the owner’s voice or could it be the words being used? The answer is both.

As a horse trainer and owner, you should have the confidence in handling them properly. Your voice should have a soothing, gentle, and pleasant tone. Try to imagine calming your horse with an intimidating tone. Your horse will not calm down and your voice will only frighten him even more.

The words you use to calm down your horse may not mean anything to him but with constant training and use of such words, your words can be associated with ‘calm down, nothing is going to happen to you, everything will be all right’.

The repetition and rhythm of how you say the words can mesmerize your horse. It can be compared to poetry or music. Here’s a very good example. When humans are troubled, stressed out, or anxious, listening to poetry or even music seem to calm their thoughts. The words and music seem to grab and reach out to you. You immediately find yourself paying attention to what you’re hearing. Your thoughts are diverted to the poetry or music and somehow you feel calm and relaxed.

When a horse is excited or frightened, it can be dangerous and at times, deadly. If you’re capable of calming your horse, you will enjoy a safe and fun ride free of any serious accidents. Some of the techniques used by some horse trainers are ‘300 Peck Pigeon’ and the ‘head down’. The duration of the execution of the technique is also important. Another way to calm your horse is to bring the head of your horse toward the side. When the neck is stretched, the tension is relieved. However, you should be careful in executing this technique as it may trigger a negative effect; the horse will see you as a predator taking him down. So try to be extra careful and don’t use too much force.

As a horse trainer, you should not panic. You should be calm in order to calm your horse. Keep your posture non-threatening and avoid abrupt movements. Your face should have a smile or laugh maybe. This shows your horse that you’re not bothered by his movements. Find out what caused your horse to panic. You can tell your horse to lower its head or you can rub the neck and withers.

Always have hay nearby and try to give it to your horse; sometimes giving your horse food calms him. If you can make your horse stand still, face him and exhale through your mouth but don’t blow. Follow the breathing pattern of your horse. After a couple of minutes, your horse will calm down.

During horse training, you can use these various techniques just in case your horse panics. The techniques are effective especially when executed properly. Just be confident and think that you can handle the situation.