I generally classify horses as either quiet or loud. Depending on which category they fall into impacts the way I will approach training sessions with them, and particularly how I choose to bond with them. There is no set criteria which puts a horse into either of these categories, and the scale is never black and white. I have also seen horses transition from being a quiet horse to a loud horse. So let me explain what I’m talking about…
My definition of a loud horse is one who expresses themselves clearly. At times it can feel as though these horses are using words or yelling at us, sometimes to say things like ‘hey, that hurts!’ or, ‘I don’t understand and I’m frustrated.’ A loud horse is generally easier to work with for those with less experience, because it is usually obvious what they are thinking. Loud horses will give off high energy, their movements are bigger and their presence is obvious. These horses are commonly, but certainly not always, the more confident type. Like people, horses will at times fake confidence, so it is important that we assess each individual horse before labelling them as confident or not.
A quiet horse, in these terms, is one that has low energy and less communication. These horses give off a lower energy level when in their presence, and they can almost have a calming effect. Often, these horses are the ones that will have explosive reactions due to the fact that it is harder to notice when they are becoming stressed. Again, these are the types that get labelled as dangerous or get dumped at the sale yards as a lot of trainers and general horsemen miss the subtle cues. These horses can be more shy and reserved, and tend to rely on their herd for comfort.
I find bonding with the different types of horses in different ways is particularly important. A loud horse can cope without a strong bond, and still manage to progress in their training. They will also tend to develop a bond simply by being around you. Being there to give them a feed or fill up a trough in their paddock will build their trust. Quiet horses, on the other hand, require more personal attention to develop trust. These horses need to be shown kindness. Being taken out to pick at grass or a gentle grooming session, or even taking a few minutes to stand with them and pat them goes a long way. Once these quiet horses do trust you, they are willing to give anything a go.
Training sessions with a loud horses are simpler in that you will know which of the ‘zones’ you are in, and the horse will warn you when approaching on the ‘reaction zone’. It is important to counter their high energy with a calm approach, as these horses can make things more difficult in some ways. You must always keep in mind that their reactivity is a response. An example of this is a horse refusing a scary jump, they may feel hot and snorty too. In this instance – this horse is communicating they are unsure about the jump. As a rider, we have two options – punish the horse for refusing the jump, or stay calm and re-attempt the jump. To punish the horse, with a whip, spur, growl or tug on the reins, is to tell that horse, ‘I don’t care that you are scared, you must do as I say.’ Alternatively, to re-attempt the jump is to say, ‘I understand you are afraid, I hear you. Let’s try again.’ Both of these methods will likely get the horse over the jump. One method will damage your relationship, and eventually create holes in your foundation which always resurface down the track. The other method will strengthen your relationship and increase your horse’s confidence. As a rider and a horseman, you need to decide what matters most to you – getting over one jump today or putting your relationship and the wellbeing of your horse first to create solid foundations for the rest of that horse’s life.
Training with quiet horses must also be quiet. It is important to provide a lot of reassurance and be very aware of the subtle signs the horse gives you, so that you can avoid pushing them into the ‘reaction zone’. I have seen horses like this become louder, as they felt they were being heard. In my experience, quiet horses are usually the ones that will become shut down. For these types, it is important to avoid pushing them into the ‘reaction zone’ and instead pay very close attention to their body language. By doing so, you can back off the pressure when they start to get upset and gradually teach them that you are listening, and it is okay to share their emotions. Quiet horses like this can be difficult to progress with if you aren’t sure what to look for. It can be extremely beneficial to your partnership to get some help from a trainer that focuses on kind methods who can help you learn how to work with your horse.
If you really consider this, I’m sure you know a few ‘loud’ horses and a few ‘quiet’ ones too. Your intuition and gut-feeling about where that individual horse sits on the scale is the best way to work it out. Tailor your training plans specifically, because when your horse feels heard, you will have far more success together. Horse training is not about the results of right now. It is about laying down a foundation to give each horse the very best chance as a successful and happy life.
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