“I have been to numerous clinics and found most of them were sharing the same information, just repackaged. I wasn’t sure about signing up for your clinic at Mountain Horse Farm. Horse Speak was a bit too intangible for my mind to grasp. I had been searching for ways to enhance my relationship with my horses and help Pip gain confidence in me as a Partner and Leader. Horse Speak was the “Missing Link!” This 3-day clinic deepened our connection, creating a mutual foundation on which to build. Nothing I have ever learned in the past compares to those 3 days with you! See you in the Fall!” Natalie, 2025 Clinic Participant
Most people attend my clinics to understand horses better, establish improved rapport, and enhance their horsemanship skills. Last month, I had the honor of meeting and working with a sweet little TW named Pip, who feared noisy, flapping tarps, flags, etc., creating a big problem for his owner. She is an experienced, savvy horsewoman and said that his reaction was so quick that she never felt it coming until it was too late. Other than this issue, he was a great trail-riding horse.
His inherent reaction was to save himself (and her) by sitting down on his haunches, spinning, and bolting. However, she didn’t always get to go along for the ride. She most wanted help with this behavior at this “non-riding” clinic. The point is that solving any mounted problem always begins with a relationship, self-awareness, and the ability to understand how to communicate with horses in their language. My interpretation of his behavior was that he aimed to please and would do so until he couldn’t.
This clinic began with an introduction to Horse Speak, horses’ kinesthetic body language system. After learning and practicing some Horse Speak basics, we moved on to in-hand applications, demonstrating to the horse that we will always be their protector/director, someone they can trust to keep them safe. From there, we begin moving together in balance, using a pattern to clarify who leads who, respecting each other’s “bubbles” of personal space, and pausing to answer the horse’s questions. We took breaks at “safety objects,” allowing for processing, rest, and restoration, and at the “enrichment stations,” where we offered them some comfort and connection.
Causing a “Thinking Action versus A Reaction”………..
Anyone can cause a horse to react. My goal is always to cause a “thinking action.” If the horse is forward and willing like Pip but insecure at times, our job is to slow them down, notice when they are beginning to go from a yellow zone to a red zone, and return to a place where breathing and processing can happen, then advance slowly. It takes as long as it takes. Going slow and showing them you see and hear them, then creating a way forward together, begins to change everything.
I taught everyone the “Touch It” game as we began playing with obstacles. This game was life-changing for my horse, Riley, who lacked confidence on the trail. When scared, he would freeze up in fear. Instead of trying to push him forward, which never worked, I could stop and breathe for a moment and then say, “Touch it”. This provided an easy and familiar way out of the situation. Riley could feel emotionally back in control and confident because he knew what to do. I promised I would never get him in trouble with this request. He knew 100% of the time it would be safe to proceed forward. Upon my request, he slowly approaches the object. He touches it with his muzzle, thus shifting from a “fear state” into a “curiosity state.” With his confidence returned, we continue on more relaxed. This practice is in my book, “Open Heart, Open Mind -A Pathway to Rediscovering Horsemanship,” and has helped many horses and their humans over the years.
The participants’ big “take-home lesson” was to slow wayyyyyy down, breathe, and remain aware and mindful of the horse, ourselves, and the environment surrounding us. Remembering to pause long enough to answer all questions is required of any respected leader. It’s the same with horses. Horse Speak teaches you how.
As the photos show, in just 3 days of working together, Pip began to overcome his fear. Using the “touch it” game, he realized touching the little balloon vibrating in the wind was safe. He could touch the bunched-up tarps hanging on panels and eventually walk over one. He stayed in his thinking mind, trusting us to take the time he needed.
