​In my last post about trust indicators, we discussed what relaxed, trusting horses look like—head lowered, licking and chewing, normal breathing patterns. But what about the opposite? It's vital to recognize that stress in horses is far more complex than a training challenge. So, what does stress look like, and why should you care beyond managing "bad behavior"?
Why Physical Signs Matter More Than You Think
When we write off stress signals as "just behavioral" or "just the way horses are," we're missing critical communication from our horses—and possibly overlooking serious health concerns brewing beneath the surface.
Chronic stress wreaks havoc on a horse's body in ways that extend far beyond difficult ground manners or poor performance. Stressed horses develop suppressed immune systems, making them sitting ducks for illness and infection. They're prone to gastric ulcers, which have reached epidemic proportions not just in performance horses dealing with stressful training schedules and competitions, but also in backyard horses suffering from confinement, high-concentrate diets, and lack of exercise.
As an energy worker, this really gets me: stress locks muscles into constant tension patterns, contributing to movement restrictions and lameness issues that we often blame on completely different causes. Beyond these obvious problems, stress affects hoof growth, reproductive success, and a horse's ability to maintain proper body condition even with adequate nutrition. Most sobering of all? Chronic stress literally shortens lifespan by accelerating cellular aging.
Your Horse's Daily Health Report: What Manure Reveals
The most obvious stress indicators show up as physical changes—which is exactly why I keep encouraging you to spend time simply observing your horse in their environment. When you know what's "normal" for your horse, you'll notice changes like elevated heart rate, clammy skin, or excessive sweating without exertion.
Here's something many people overlook: manure tells an incredible story about your horse's health. Since stressed horses often develop diarrhea, you need to know what quality manure looks and smells like for your individual horse.
Ideally, manure should form moist, well-shaped balls that break apart easily. It shouldn't be hard and dry, showing dehydration, or look like a "cow patty," which may signal hindgut problems. Here's the thing—normal varies between horses. My mare's normal manure runs drier than my gelding's. If my mare's typically dry, small fecal balls suddenly looked like my gelding's softer, moister manure, I'd know something was up.
Color varies with diet too. Pasture-fed horses produce greener manure while hay-fed horses produce browner coloration. But regardless of color, healthy manure shouldn't emit a strong, foul odor.
When Eating Becomes a Stress Signal
Changes in appetite and eating patterns are worth your attention. Is your horse normally a picky eater, or do they usually dive in enthusiastically?
I used to have a Thoroughbred who was chronically hypervigilant. He'd take a bite of hay, chew for a moment, then raise his head and stare into the distance—completely forgetting to chew. Then he'd remember and chew a few times before repeating the whole cycle. It was nearly impossible to keep weight on him because he lived with other horses who put their heads down and vacuumed up hay without taking breaks.
Separating them wasn't an option unless I was present, so while I did chores, I'd take him out of the field and feed him alfalfa pellets by the horse trailer. Sometimes the solution is that straightforward—but first you have to recognize the problem.
Reading Muscle Tension: The Difference Between Fit and Stressed
Muscle tension is a hallmark of stress, particularly in the neck, jaw, and back. Watch for teeth grinding, jaw clenching, and tight facial expressions with pinched nostrils. But here's what most people miss: you need to put your hands on your horse regularly to learn what their muscles normally feel like.
Run your hands over your horse's body and notice the texture and consistency of their muscles. Learn to identify the difference between a properly conditioned muscle and one that's hypertonic from stress.
Fit muscles, developed through appropriate exercise, feel firm yet supple—they have functional strength. Hypertonic muscles aren't strong; they're overworked and dysfunctional. They feel rock-hard, rigid, and often contain painful knots or fibrous nodules. Compare how your horse's muscles feel with those of other horses you handle. You'll notice the difference easily once you're aware of the key differences.
The Eyes: Windows to Your Horse's Soul
The story is often written in the eyes. Stressed horses commonly show a wide-eyed expression that reveals the whites of their eyes. We normally think of horses showing the whites of their eyes as fearful, but it can also indicate surprise (which would be fleeting) or, when it's a prolonged expression, it likely indicates pain or chronic stress.
Some breeds—Paints and Appaloosas, for example—characteristically show eye white as their normal expression, so know your horse's baseline. Check their muscle tension if you are unsure, to determine if physical stress accompanies those wide eyes.
But here's what breaks my heart: the hard, vacant eye that signals emotional shutdown. These horses have reached the end of their wits trying to communicate their needs. Everything they've attempted to tell us has fallen on deaf ears, so they've simply given up. It's more common than most people realize, but once your awareness expands and your sensitivity increases, I think you'll see it everywhere too.

​What's Next
Stress recognition truly is the foundation of everything else we'll discuss in this series. You can't effectively address what you can't see, and you can't help a horse who's too stressed to show you their authentic self.
My next post will explore how stress can lead to behaviors people refer to as vices, and how reactions frequently mislabeled as training issues are actually your horse communicating a problem.
Remember: recognizing stress isn't about becoming paranoid over every small change. It's about developing the awareness to distinguish between normal daily variations and significant signals that your horse needs help.

In my previous post, "Solving Horse Problems: No Quick Fixes," I explored why I don't offer immediate solutions to a horse's behavior issues without direct observation. I emphasized that true expertise lies not in having ready-made answers, but in developing the skills to investigate, observe, and understand what is happening with each individual horse. This investigative approach relies on trust. You cannot rush or manufacture trust.
Before you can solve any problem with your horse, you need to assess whether your horse trusts you. This isn't about whether you think you're trustworthy—it's about whether your horse feels safe with you in each moment you interact.
 
Why Trust Matters in Problem-Solving
Trust fundamentally changes how horses respond to pressure, new situations, and our requests. A horse who trusts you will give you the benefit of the doubt when something goes wrong. They'll look to you for guidance rather than defaulting to flight. What matters most for our goals is that a trusting horse reveals its true nature instead of concealing problems with stress and watchfulness.
Without trust, you're not seeing your horse's genuine issues—you're seeing their stress responses layered on top of whatever the actual problem might be.
 
Understanding How Horses Assess Trust
Various horse training methodologies explore the concept of earning trust through relationship-building, including Connected Riding, the Tellington Method, and Natural Horsemanship approaches. While these methods differ in technique, they share the understanding that horses evaluate trust differently than humans do.
We tend to build trust through experience and track records. If I loan Susie money and she promises to pay it back within two weeks, and she indeed repays without delay, experience will make me more inclined to trust her with another loan. This process requires cataloging behavior over time and making projections based on experience.
Horses' minds don't work this way. They live in the moment, and whether they trust you is based on how they feel during each interaction. However, consistent behavior on your part can establish you as part of their trusted web of those they interact with—like members of their herd. Once you've achieved this status, horses will "let down" their guard and display specific signs of trust.
 
Six Key Signs Your Horse Trusts You
Trust is conveyed through subtle behaviors that often go unnoticed by horse owners focused on "getting things done." Learning to recognize these signs will help you assess your relationship and guide your problem-solving approach.
1. Head Lowered Below the Withers
When your horse stands next to you with their head lowered below wither height, they're showing neurological relaxation. This posture puts them in a vulnerable position—they feel safe enough to stop constantly monitoring their environment for predators, an activity characterized by a raised head, wide eyes, and pricked ears. This is often the first sign you'll notice when a horse trusts.
Do you notice when your horse assumes this position?
2. Licking and Chewing
This behavior indicates a horse is transitioning from tension to relaxation. Bodyworkers strive to invoke this response because it signals the horse is releasing physical tension and processing new sensations. Trainers value it because it positions a horse to learn. When you see licking and chewing during or after interactions, your horse is processing the experience positively.
What makes your horse lick and chew?
3. Turning Hindquarters Toward You
This behavior is often misunderstood as disrespect or met with alarm because we fear being kicked. However, consider this: would a horse remove you from their direct line of sight if they perceived you as a threat?
When a horse turns their hindquarters toward you with a soft body, a relaxed tail, and looks back over their shoulder, they may be inviting you to join them or follow. This is a form of "leading from the front." You can test this: stand with your back to your horse and turn about three-quarters toward them. If they connect with you, they'll follow as you turn away and walk off—demonstrating tremendous trust in your leadership.
Does your horse exhibit this behavior?
4. Normal Breathing Patterns
Watch for steady, normal breathing, especially when accompanied by occasional sighs. This shows your horse doesn't feel threatened. If your horse breathes shallowly or holds their breath when you approach, you have work to do before addressing any specific problems.
Do you take note of your horse’s breathing patterns? How about your own?
5. Voluntary Approach and Nickering
Setting aside treat delivery, if your horse nickers and moves toward you when you appear, you've achieved something special. You've become a preferred member of their herd—someone they choose to be near.
            Does your horse choose to be with you?
6. Willingness to Lie Down in Your Presence
This is perhaps the ultimate trust indicator. Horses' DNA has ingrained the ability to flee at any moment; it is a survival essential. At the slightest sign of potential danger, a horse lying down will scramble to their feet.
If your horse remains lying down as you approach, allows you to halter them, or even permits you to sit or lie beside them, you've achieved remarkable trust. This behavior is the cornerstone measure of James French's “Trust Technique,” a method that focuses on reducing anxiety and building connection through shared peaceful states.
 
The Reward and Responsibility of Trust
Being with horses that trust us provides one of the most rewarding feelings possible—because you cannot train a horse to trust you or demand trust from them. Trust must be earned, and it's an integral part of the bonding process I promote in my book, In It for the Horses: A Journey from Whips to Whispers.
Gaining your horse's trust means you've adjusted yourself and your attitudes to honor their spirit and put their needs before your own agenda. It also means you have a responsibility: once earned, trust can be lost through impatience, inconsistency, or prioritizing results over relationship.
 
Moving Forward
In upcoming posts, I'll share specific observation techniques and documentation methods to help you become more skilled at reading your horse. But I'll also explore specific exercises for building trust, how to recognize and address trust-eroding behaviors, and case studies showing how trust issues often masquerade as training problems. Understanding the crucial difference between compliance and trust will be key to everything we discuss.
First, though, assess where you stand with trust. If your horse shows little or no sign of trust, the main issue to address is your relationship, not their behavior.
Remember: a horse who doesn't trust you will never show you their authentic self. Until you have trust, you're not solving your horse's actual problems—you're just managing their stress responses.

Though I’m no longer formally teaching, my book, In It for the Horses: A Journey from Whips to Whispers, and this Myth Busters blog remain my primary means of educating horse owners about riding, stable care, and fostering deep connections with their horses. I’m regularly consulted for guidance on the challenges horse owners experience. Lots of people seem surprised when I don’t answer right away.
This post will explore why I refrain from offering detailed guidance on horse behavior issues without direct observation of the animal—and why you should be wary of anyone who does.
 
The Difference Between “Knowing” and “Caring”
The key difference lies in whether one simply applies standard solutions from established methods or takes the extra step of drawing on experience and potentially researching to truly understand the situation.
Though my reluctance to propose solutions might suggest indecisiveness or a lack of expertise, I will advocate for the importance of observation and maintaining an open mind. In your search for answers, I urge you to learn all you can and find your own way as much as possible because—news alert—you know your horse better than I or any outsider ever could. Anyone who says they have all the answers when it comes to horse advice should make you suspicious.
 
The Responsibility of Horse Ownership
Owning a horse is far more than having access to riding. Even when boarding a horse at a stable with experienced staff, the owner bears responsibility for the animal’s welfare, as horse care is incredibly complex. We all learn from experience, and especially with horses, the more you learn, the better off your horse will be.
It all starts with observation. When you pay attention to how your horse behaves in daily situations, you’ll notice if something has changed. This baseline knowledge becomes invaluable when something seems “off.” Cultivating observational abilities is not merely beneficial; it is crucial for being a responsible horse owner.
 
Figuring Out Solutions vs. Knowing Answers
The pressure to provide instant solutions is everywhere in our culture. Horse owners want—and expect—immediate answers to complex behavioral or health issues. But horses are individuals, and what works for one may not work for another. More importantly, what appears to be the problem may be a symptom of something entirely different.
True expertise lies not in having a catalog of ready-made solutions, but in developing the skills to investigate, observe, and understand what’s really happening with each individual horse. This necessitates engaging with the horse and letting them direct your actions.
 
The Power of Observation: A Lesson from Alvin
To ensure we’re objective about what could be a sensitive topic, I’ll offer an example using my dog, not a horse.
I have the most wonderful dog in the world. Yes, I’m biased, but Alvin is exceptional. He’s a thirty-pound Mini Australian Shepherd with the sweetest disposition imaginable. I’ve suspected since he was just months old that he doesn’t see very well.
As he’s aged—he’s now ten—his behavior has reinforced my concerns. He barks at things like pieces of tarp hung on fences or anything new and “out of place” in his mind, like a feed bucket tossed in the driveway. I’ve been puzzling over this vision issue for about four years, and this perfectly demonstrates my argument.
Only recently did I connect his potential vision problems with another habit I thought I’d already figured out. Even in cold temperatures, Alvin seeks shade. Ask anyone with an Australian Shepherd and they’ll say, “Ah yes, they run hot and use shade to stay cool.” Absolutely true—I’ve had several Aussies, and that’s always been the case.
But what if, in Alvin’s case, he seeks shade not only to cool off but also to keep the sun out of his compromised eyes? This situation brings up further questions for which no one, myself included, has ready answers.
An animal communicator confirmed he has a compromised vision. Looking through his eyes, she said, “It’s like he needs glasses.” Her insight contributed meaningfully to my investigation, and I’ve since found supplements that may help him.
 
The Takeaway
This example illustrates why it’s unwise to jump to conclusions about behavioral problems. Rushing to conclusions can result in misinterpreting the real problem or failing to grasp your animal’s actual condition. It took me years of observation to piece together what might be going on with Alvin—and I live with him every day.
If I need that much time to understand my own dog, how could I possibly give you meaningful advice about your horse based on a brief description of symptoms?
My intention is not to dissuade anyone from seeking assistance; rather, it is to promote a thorough and patient approach to investigation, ensuring the best outcome for both you and your horse. My upcoming posts will feature actionable strategies for you to become more adept at monitoring your horse’s health. These will include straightforward checklists for observation, methods for keeping records, and guidance on distinguishing between issues that require immediate attention and those that can be monitored over time. This isn’t about making you fearful—it’s about making you prepared.

In a previous blog post, I warned against anthropomorphizing when dealing with, training, and developing relationships with horses. Recently, I read Coming Home on the Wind, Stories of Kinship and Healing in Nature, by Deborah Frances, aka Dancing Crow, a naturopath whose writing draws on her heritage as a Native American. The directness and familiarity with which she communicates with horses and other creatures struck me. To better appreciate her stories, I explored the difference between anthropomorphizing and personifying, believing the way Native American stories that feature animals as main characters and teachers was where my understanding faltered. My comprehension improved, but as I share in this piece, I have much to learn.
When I shared my thoughts with Deborah (I am now honored to call her Dancing Crow); she pushed me further.

(Re your discussion of anthropomorphizing versus personifying).
For me, it’s more about recognizing what is, and in Native America, we don’t see ourselves as separate, which is very different than the predominant culture. We’re animals too, and we find a way to communicate that’s from the heart. So, from my perspective, it’s neither personifying nor anthropomorphizing; it just is.

And this blurb from her book’s description caught my eye:

Spirit is not separate from the mundane aspects of our lives. Our Divine Creator is infused through each moment and throughout all creation. What makes it seem otherwise is no more than an error of perception.

I hope you’ll join me in 2026, to seek fresh perspectives that will enhance our understanding of horses and the world we share with them. I’m grateful to Deborah for enriching my perspective. Consider the following thoughts and let me know what you think.
 
Understanding the Distinction
Anthropomorphizing involves projecting human characteristics, emotions, and motivations onto animals in a way that diminishes or misrepresents their true nature. When we anthropomorphize, we're making animals “human-like” to make them more relatable or understandable to us. This leads to misreading animal behavior and applying inappropriate expectations—like assuming a horse is being “stubborn” when they’re confused or afraid.
Personification, especially within Indigenous storytelling traditions, operates from a different worldview. Rather than making animals human-like, it recognizes that animals already possess intelligence, wisdom, and agency. The stories don’t diminish the animal’s nature but suggest that different beings communicate and share wisdom across species boundaries.
In Lakota and other Native traditions, animals in stories serve as teachers because of their perspectives and abilities, not despite them. Horse teaches about freedom and partnership; Eagle, about vision and connection to the sacred—these teachings emerge from their essential nature, not from their becoming human surrogates.
 
The Problem with “Stupid”
The difference becomes even clearer when we examine how we talk about horses who seem slow to learn or show a lack of desire to cooperate.
Anthropomorphizing creates stories like: “My horse is so stupid. I’ve shown him this jump a hundred times, and he still doesn’t get it. He can’t to figure out what I want. Look at him standing there with that blank expression—there’s nothing going on upstairs. Some horses are just dumb, and I got stuck with one of them.”
This judges the horse by human standards of learning and comprehension, dismissing his natural ways of processing information.
Personification might tell it this way: “Horse came as my teacher today about patience and different ways of knowing. When I thought he ‘didn’t understand’ the jump, I realized Horse was teaching me to slow down and listen. His hesitation was wisdom. When I stopped pushing and started paying attention to what he was telling me, we found our way together.”
Oneness notices: “My chest tightened. He hesitated. I breathed. He moved forward. Which came first? Does it matter? The sensation of dissolving cause-and-effect felt like a soft breeze merging all elements, revealing that we weren’t separate issues to resolve, but a single action unfolding.”
 
What “It Just Is” Means in Practice
When Dancing Crow says, “it just is,” she’s pointing to something that happens before language, before labels. Here’s what I’m beginning to understand:

• Anthropomorphizing requires me to translate: “What is my horse thinking?” (as if he thinks like me).
• Personification requires me to respect: “What is Horse teaching?” (honoring him as a being with his own wisdom).
• Oneness notices that by letting go of the question and just focusing on what unfolds between us, without assigning blame, we honor our interconnected natures.

Dancing Crow communicates “from the heart” because the heart doesn’t separate. When I approach my horse from my head, I’m already creating distance: I’m here analyzing; he’s there being analyzed. When I drop into my body—into sensation, breath, presence—the boundary softens. I’m not “reading” his body language like a foreign text; I’m feeling our shared nervous system.
This isn't mystical. It’s what happens when we stop talking to ourselves about the horse and start being with the horse.

The Heart of the Matter
The key difference might be this:

• Anthropomorphizing says: “Animals are like humans”
• Personification says: “Humans and animals are all persons in their own right, each with gifts to share”
• Oneness says: “The separation between human and animal is an error of perception.”

Or, as Dancing Crow explained, it’s more about recognizing what is. In Native America, we don’t see ourselves as separate, which is very different than the predominant culture. We’re animals too, and we communicate from the heart—neither personifying nor anthropomorphizing; it just is.
 
What This Means for How We Work with Horses
I’m still absorbing how to practice from this place of understanding. Most of the time, I catch myself somewhere between personification and oneness—aspiring to dissolve separation while still experiencing it. Experiencing oneness can seem alien, causing me to revert to the familiar patterns of my rational mind, which, despite its illusory safety, offers a sense of security.
 
What's shifting for me:

• Less: Analyzing what my horse “means” by his behavior - More: Noticing what’s happening in my body when he does that behavior.
• Less: Trying to “communicate clearly” with aids and cues - More: Breathing together, matching energy, waiting for alignment.
• Less: Problem-solving his resistance - More: Feeling where I’m creating the resistance through my tension, agenda, or disconnection.
• Less: Training him to understand me - More: Learning his language, which is spoken through physicality and presence.

This doesn't mean abandoning technique or knowledge about horse behavior. It means holding that knowledge gently, letting it serve connection rather than control.
 
An Ongoing Journey
Dancing Crow’s words opened a door I’m still learning to walk through because the oneness she describes isn’t something I can grasp with my mind or practice as a technique. It’s more like a remembering—a return to what my body already knows when my mind stops insisting on separation, and that will not come without a struggle for me.
The distinction between anthropomorphizing, personification, and oneness isn’t just philosophical. It shapes everything: how we interpret behavior, how we respond to challenges, whether we approach our horses as problems to solve or as mirrors showing us where we’ve forgotten our connection to the larger web of life.
When we personify rather than anthropomorphize, we open ourselves to learning from our horses rather than imposing our will upon them. We respect their intelligence while honoring their horse-ness.
When we move toward oneness, we discover something even more profound: there is no “them” and “us” to bridge. There is only the relationship itself, arising fresh in each moment, teaching us that separation was always an illusion.

Spirit is not separate from the mundane aspects of our lives. Our Divine Creator is infused through each moment and throughout all creation. What makes it seem otherwise is no more than an error of perception.

May we continue correcting that error, one breath, one moment of presence, one honest encounter with our horses at a time.

By embracing a holistic approach to horsemanship, we prioritize the well-being and emotional state of our horses while developing our skills as sensitive companions. This journey is rooted in understanding rather than manipulation, allowing us to cultivate a richer and more authentic relationship that honors the horse as a sentient being.
As I discussed in the previous post, it can be challenging to understand the thoughts and motivations of another person, let alone those of a different species like horses. Our natural human bias—seeing animal actions from our own point of view—complicates this process. Recognizing this bias is essential for understanding how horses perceive their environment, which is vital for forming meaningful connections with them.
Understanding horses can be complex, yet learning about them is incredibly rewarding. A key aspect of fostering a genuine relationship is grasping the dangers of anthropomorphizing—projecting human traits and emotions onto them.
What is Anthropomorphizing?
Anthropomorphizing refers to attributing human emotions, intentions, or characteristics to animals. For instance, believing that a barn sour horse—one who turns back toward the stable when leaving the yard for a trail ride or rushes home—is lazy and just wants to avoid work is a common misconception. Understanding how often we casually attribute human characteristics to the horses we encounter will enrich your relationship with them.
In the case of the barn sour horse, it’s crucial to consider the rider's emotional response. If the horse is new, the rider might suddenly have doubts about their purchase or feel, insecure about their management abilities. When others are present, the rider could feel ashamed or inadequate. Expectations of compliance might result in harshness toward the horse. It’s worth taking a moment to consider how feelings of doubt, inadequacy, embarrassment, and anger influence how you interact with horses, and remind yourself that emotionally based responses are misguided.
These scenarios highlight the need for deeper inquiry. We must ask: Why does the horse keep returning to the yard? While it’s easy to latch on to “pat answers” like laziness or defiance, more often than not, the situation requires endless questioning, and we may confront the fact that we will never fully understand the reasons behind a horse’s behavior.
The important thing is to give the horse the benefit of the doubt and focus on their best interests. I’ve faced similar situations and have felt considerable guilt over how I handled them. In some instances, it can be necessary to endure the circumstances as they unfold and then address our feelings at a later time.
Exploring Equine Behavior
When addressing a horse’s behaviors, it’s vital to consider various factors—especially physical discomfort. This could stem from a range of issues, including:

• Pain from a stone bruise or developing abscess
• An ill-fitting saddle or a wrinkle in a saddle pad
• Separation anxiety
• Dental issues causing discomfort in the gut or mouth

This list is far from exhaustive. Take a moment to add to it and see how long your list can be!
My point is to always remain open to new insights and avoid being too sure of your interpretations. To illustrate this, I want to share a story about a horse named Fred.
Fred was a Hanoverian warmblood imported from Canada with a talent for jumping. I met him when he was four.
At age six, Fred started rubbing his tail. I dewormed him, tried medicated shampoos and conditioners, hoping to alleviate possible skin irritation, but his rubbing persisted. My veterinarian conducted a thorough examination, providing dietary recommendations that I diligently followed. Despite my efforts, the itching intensified and spread to every inch of his body.
For two years, I experimented with various specialized treatments. Throughout this time, Fred left patches of hair on fence rails and developed a brittle coat, evidence of his incessant rubbing. I admit, Fred’s behavior drove me to distraction. Despite moving from one remedy to the next, I clung to the belief that each new approach would provide the relief he desperately needed.
One day, while cleaning the pen, I noticed him pushing along an electric wire to ground it out, so he could use the plastic insulators as scratchers. Knowing how sensitive horses are to electricity, I asked myself: How intense must his itching be to justify this behavior?
Finally, I consulted a friend skilled in animal communication to check in with Fred about his incessant itching.
“He says it’s not itching,” she informed me. “It’s more like pain—a burning sensation like shingles.” There was a pause. “He feels like his nerve endings are on fire, and he wants you to know that he’s done. If you can’t figure out how to help him, he wants out.”
This revelation hit me like a punch to the gut. Fred was in pain, suffering symptoms similar to those of shingles, while I had fixated on treating itching.
The next day, I mailed in a saliva sample for a psychometric aura reading. I had success with this method in the past, but it was an unconventional approach that I hadn’t fully embraced. This time, the phrase “nerve endings feel like they are on fire” matched a vibrational remedy precisely. I administered it as instructed, and within three months, Fred returned to his cantankerous self. I welcomed his healing and thanked him for teaching me the necessity of questioning my assumptions and never giving up in pursuit of answers.
Conclusion
Fred’s story serves as a reminder of the complexities of equine behavior and the importance of understanding our horses’ perspectives. Just as I learned not to take their behaviors at face value, I encourage you to approach your horse with curiosity, patience, and empathy.
Have you faced challenges in understanding your horse's behavior? Please share your stories and insights in the comments below.
 
Join the conversation at:
https://www.wholehorsetraining.com/myth-busters.html
 

Horses can be quite complex! To provide appropriate care, one must understand their practical requirements, including feeding, dental, and hoof care, alongside understanding their varied behaviors and personality traits. Mastering horsemanship demands both the ability to pick and properly use the right gear and the ability to learn from trustworthy experts who offer quality training and biomechanically correct riding lessons. While fulfilling these basic care necessities is crucial, building a deeper, more meaningful relationship with horses demands far more than technical knowledge alone.
That's why trainers and equine enthusiasts often recommend learning to "think like a horse." When I hear this advice, I wonder if it's something humans can actually do. After all, it's a tall order to understand the thoughts of another person, let alone those of a different species.
 
The Human Bias Problem
It's human nature to see things in a human way, and we often assume that others, like horses, think and feel the same way we do. This built-in human bias—our tendency to project human thoughts and emotions onto animals—hinders our comprehension of how horses actually experience the world, and it's a major obstacle to truly understanding them.
Consider this common example: horses are highly sensitive to the emotions and energy of those around them. They instinctively read our body language, tone of voice, and overall demeanor. They continuously assess our actions and have a natural understanding of our feelings, which dictates their responses. Many claim that horses detect fear in people who approach them hesitantly. We observe this in their reactions—restlessness, lifted heads, quick breaths, pacing, and other indications of alertness. Yet, claiming they detect "fear" specifically feels like a stretch to me. Are they picking up on feelings like insecurity or doubt? Are they reacting to our physical tension or uncertain movements? Or are they responding based on previous experiences with humans altogether? We interpret their behavior through our human lens, but we can't truly know what they're thinking.
This same bias leads to more serious misunderstandings. We might misread a horse's instinctive flight response as stubbornness or defiance. We might interpret their need for clarity as resistance. Our human-centered thinking clouds our ability to see the horse's perspective.
So if we can't actually think like a horse—and I believe we cannot—what's the alternative?
 
Emotional Intelligence: A Human Path to Understanding
Rather than attempting the impossible task of thinking like a horse, I propose we approach connection from a different angle: by embracing our human perspective and developing emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, comprehend, and manage not only your own emotions but also to understand how those emotions affect others during interactions.
When working with horses, this means being aware of how your feelings—anxiety, frustration, excitement, or impatience—can influence the horse's behavior. To build emotional intelligence, you must take steps to minimize the impact of emotional triggers to create a safe and supportive space. When you treat horses with empathy and respect, they will likely respond with openness and trust.
 
A Personal Example
My work with equine energy healing provides a concrete example of how my emotional state directly affects horses. When I approach a horse for the first time to perform energy work, I often sense apprehension. It's easy to assume this arises from the unfamiliarity of our connection—after all, I'm a stranger to them.
However, it's crucial for me to first reflect on my own emotional state to determine if I might be triggering their response. Given that I frequently work with many animals, I tend to take a direct approach, moving efficiently and assuming they inherently understand what I'm doing. When met with tension instead of relaxation, my tendency is to assume the horse doesn't grasp my intentions. But then I must remind myself: it's my responsibility to foster a genuine connection by offering rather than imposing my agenda.
Every time I catch myself in this pattern of thought, I chuckle and express my apologies to the horse for the limitations of being human, acknowledging my human-centered thinking. In these moments, I may understand what the horse is feeling, but I never claim to think like a horse. I can only manage myself and create the conditions for trust.
 
Leadership: Partnership, Not Dominance
One common piece of advice for working with horses is to "lead with confidence" so they don’t detect fear. This is sound guidance, but people often misinterpret it as a call for dominance. Deeply held cultural beliefs in horse training have long prioritized control and dominance, and these traditions intensify the difficulties in achieving the mutual respect and partnership vital for clear communication.
True leadership with horses is not about asserting control but about embodying a calm and assured presence that fosters trust. When you approach a horse with confidence rooted in genuine understanding and compassion, you exude a relaxed energy and provide a safe space for the horse to feel more at ease.
Here's the distinction: Dominance says, "I will make you do this." Confidence says, "I know where we're going, and I'll keep us both safe getting there." A dominant approach might force a fearful horse into a trailer. A confident approach acknowledges the fear, creates safety, and allows the horse to make the choice to enter. The difference isn't just philosophical—horses respond to these approaches in fundamentally different ways.
This understanding calls for a shift in mindset among riders and trainers—from viewing leadership as a hierarchical relationship to seeing it as a partnership based on mutual respect. Emotional intelligence becomes a vital tool, allowing us not only to manage our own feelings but also to foster a responsive and nurturing relationship with horses. In this light, leadership is less about being superior and more about being a steady, reassuring presence that helps a horse feel secure enough to trust, learn, and thrive.
 
Practical Steps Forward
So how do we develop this emotional intelligence and bridge the gap between human and horse perspectives?

• Invest in education. Learn all you can about equine behavior, psychology, and body language. Reading books, attending clinics, or observing horses in various settings can provide invaluable insights into their natural instincts and social dynamics. But remember to filter all information through a critical lens: Is taking this advice in my horse's best interest?
• Develop patience and keen observational skills. Horses communicate through subtle body language and non-verbal cues. Rushing to interpret these signals hinders genuine connection. Watch horses interact with each other. Notice what relaxation looks like versus alertness versus fear. Learn to distinguish between a horse who is calm and one who has simply shut down.
• Practice mindfulness in your interactions. By being aware of your emotions and focusing on the present moment, you can create a more harmonious bond that respects both your feelings and those of the horse. Before approaching your horse, take a breath. Notice what you're carrying—worry about work, frustration from traffic, excitement about a coming ride. Acknowledge these feelings, then consciously set them aside.
• Build trust through consistency. Building trust between horse and human requires time, consistency, and reassurance—especially where past experiences have led to mistrust. These intertwined psychological hurdles form an intricate situation that calls for a careful and kind approach when seeking to understand horses.

 
Conclusion
No, we cannot literally think like a horse. Their experience of the world—their sensory perception, their instincts, their ways of processing information—is fundamentally different from ours. Claiming otherwise is both arrogant and counterproductive.
But we can do something equally valuable: we can become expert observers of their behavior, students of their body language, and masters of our own emotional states. We can strive for intuitive understanding that comes not from anthropomorphizing but from patient attention and genuine respect. Our goal should always be to cultivate relationships built on mutual trust, where both horse and human can flourish together.
As we work with horses, let us regularly ask ourselves:

• Am I truly in it for the horses?
• Am I managing my own emotions?
• Am I respecting their nature rather than forcing them into human frameworks?
• Am I creating safety and partnership rather than demanding compliance?

 
As always, I encourage you to enjoy the ride, ensuring your horse does too, because each interaction offers a chance to foster a deeper connection with these amazing animals—not by becoming them, but by becoming better, more emotionally intelligent humans.
 
Related Reading:

• Previous post: "Recognizing Resistance as Communication"
• Next month: "An Exploration of Empathy and the Dangers of Anthropomorphism"

​You can never rely on a horse educated by fear; there is always something he fears more than you. But, when he trusts you, he will do what you ask even when he is afraid.
Antoine de Pluvinel (16th century)
 
The Matching Steps Approach: A Different Way Forward
We saw in Part One that traditional join-up methods might not be producing the cooperative relationships we aim to achieve. So, now what? Is it possible to foster genuine connection by honoring the horse's nervous system and giving them authentic choices? Enter the Matching Steps method—a way of building relationships that feels as good to create as it does to experience.
In my book, In It for the Horses, A Journey from Whips to Whispers, I relay how my Arabian mare, Jalila, taught me to leave agendas at the gate and approach, not with demands, but with the simple goal of listening and tuning into a horse’s current state of mind.
 
An effective way to do this is to get curious about learning to read their inner state and mirror it instead of creating pressure to force a choice. This is the essence of the Matching Steps approach—a method that prioritizes synchronization over control and allows genuine connection to emerge organically through what scientists call co-regulation. For me, no experience in traditional horse handling compares to the feeling of emotional mirroring. It resembles the state of flow called “being in the zone,” but it’s totally heart-centered and only happens when horse and human are in a state of mutual trust and respect.
 
Signs Your Horse is Mirroring You Emotionally:

• Synchronization: Matching your movement rhythm
• Shared relaxation: Becoming more relaxed in each other’s presence
• Seeking comfort: Your horse comes to you when stressed or uncertain

Starting with Co-Regulation
Simply put, co-regulation meets, or “joins,” the horse where they are rather than asking them to adjust their emotional state while dealing with our agendas. If they're alert and tense, we acknowledge that alertness in our own body without demanding they relax. An apt teaching from classical dressage is the principle: You can’t force relaxation. On the other hand, if the horses is calm and sleepy, we soften our energy to match theirs. By doing this, we become partners in finding balance rather than “leaders” demanding a specific response.
Interestingly, this method calms both nervous systems, which is especially helpful for inexperienced or insecure handlers whose uncertainty creates a cycle of tension that fosters those emotions in the horse. The phenomenon of negative mirroring is widely recognized within the horse world, though not always identified by that term. When a horse is free to express its true feelings without pressure to conform, a sense of connection and shared calm arises.

The Art of Following First
Traditional join up asks us to direct the horse's movement until they choose to follow us. Matching Steps flips this approach—we begin by following them. We mirror their walking pace and match their head height. We show them, by mirroring their emotional state in our bodies, that we're paying attention to and honoring who they are right now. Mind you, this can be challenging. On days my mare is excited to go out for a walk, she prances and often breaks into a trot. No way can I keep up with her. That’s why I use a light, twenty-five foot longline rather than a lead rope. I can honor her exuberance, allowing her to “rush ahead,” by letting the line I keep walking while gently guiding her on a circle until she settles and returns to my side so we can proceed to the road. If I were to snap the line against her nose or raise my voice, I would shift her exuberant energy to anxiety and completely miss the point.
That said, this isn't about being passive or allowing displays of bad manners. Instead, it's about building trust through understanding. If a horse feels understood, they will settle and become curious about the human who understands them. In this way, leadership emerges from a foundation of mutual respect rather than from a place of control.

Tuning Into Two Nervous Systems
Perhaps most importantly, matching steps requires us to develop an awareness of both the state of horse's nervous system and our own. Are we both calm and socially engaged so learning and connection are possible? Or is one of us (or both) operating from a place of tension, defensiveness, or lack of participation?

Let’s Match Steps!

Starting Your Session
Before you even approach your horse, take a moment to assess your own state. Are you rushing from other activities? Carrying tension from your day? Your horse will mirror whatever energy you bring, so begin by settling yourself first. Take several deep breaths and consciously soften your body language.

Physical Mirroring in Practice
Begin by observing the horse's natural walking pace and rhythm, then match it—not asking them to adjust to you but adjusting yourself to them. Mirror their head height and body posture as well; if they're carrying their head low and relaxed, soften your own posture accordingly. When they change direction, follow rather than pulling on the lead, using your body language to acknowledge their choices.
A word of caution about synchronization: matching the horse's rhythm is essential but avoid becoming so focused on perfect step-by-step coordination—like ensuring your right leg moves with theirs—that you lose sight of the bigger picture. I've found that obsessing over precise leg synchronization can work against the goal, causing me to hop awkwardly mid-stride or break rhythm to force that perfect match. Instead, focus on the overall flow and unity of movement. The horse feels your intention to connect far more than they notice whether your feet are perfectly coordinated. Let the synchronization happen naturally rather than mechanically forcing it.
My fascination with art and history adds another layer of observation. Of course, my love of horses draws me to paintings of horses and this detail from a painting by Géo Bernier, (Belgian) called “The Horse Fair” c. 1900, naturally caught my eye just last week at a museum. Notice the synchronization of the steps in the men and the horses they lead.

Spatial Awareness: Honoring Boundaries
Determine the distance your horse finds comfortable and honor that boundary, even if it feels farther away than you'd prefer. Allow them complete freedom to approach when they feel drawn to connection and to retreat when they need space. Pay careful attention to their comfort zones and show your trustworthiness by respecting these boundaries.
The best example I can share comes from walking out on roads and through fields with my mare. I've learned to read her shifting levels of confidence throughout our outings, and it's fascinating to observe how she communicates her emotional state through positioning. When things feel "just fine" to her, she walks alongside me with her cheek by my shoulder—a companionable, relaxed position. If she's feeling insecure or reluctant about the walk she'll lag, seeking the comfort of having me lead.
Conversely, when she's feeling confident and eager to explore her surroundings, she positions me at her shoulder or even back by her girth area, confidently leading the way. Interestingly, her confidence doesn't correlate with speed—she might move slowly while still taking the lead position. If I accidentally creep forward out of my assigned position, she'll flatten her ears and swing her head around to tell me to get back where I belong.
When she first did this, my initial reaction was, "Oh no! You don't threaten me." But remembering my days ponying polo ponies, I recognized this action as clear communication, not a threat. Having established the spatial relationship that feels right to her in that moment, she views my repositioning as an insult—in this instance, my job is to listen and respect her preference.
True partnership with horses doesn't require round pens, pressure, or manufactured choices. Connection blooms when we learn to listen, mirror, and honor what our horses are telling us, as shown in the images accompanying this post's slideshow. Matching Steps fosters relationships based on authentic understanding; it's about joining your horse in a shared dance, not dictating the steps.
​
I hope you have fun honing your observations skills. Be sure to share any insights this post, the PDF, or your own experiences bring in the comments.

The Traditional Framework
The theory behind join up draws from observations of natural herd behavior. Wild horses are social animals with complex hierarchies. Herd leaders—typically alpha mares—employ body language and spatial positioning to direct other horses' movements. According to natural horsemanship theory, horses that challenge leadership or display problematic behaviors may face temporary exclusion from the herd's protection, creating motivation for behavioral change.
Their method of achieving join up relies on a basic principle of horse behavior: horses naturally move away from pressure and find relief when it's released. Join up takes this concept further by using psychological rather than physical pressure, and they begin by controlling the horse's movement through body language and positioning, noting that horses will respond by fleeing, fighting, or finally choosing to submit and join up.

A Critical Gap in Understanding
But here's where things get complicated. Modern animal behavior science identifies stress responses as fight, flight, or freeze—with "fawn" (appeasement behaviors) sometimes added as a fourth option. The freeze response is what happens when an animal feels they can't escape and can't fight—they shut down. This raises a troubling question: how can we tell the difference between a horse that's genuinely choosing to connect and one that's simply frozen in a stress response?

The freeze response manifests as:

• Behavioral shutdown: The horse becomes very still, almost statue-like
• Hypervigilance: Alert but immobile, often with tense muscles
• Learned helplessness: The horse stops trying to escape or resist
• Dissociation: Mentally "checking out" while remaining physically present

Reconsidering "Willing Submission"
When you compare these freeze behaviors to what we celebrate in traditional join up, the overlap is unsettling. Given these characteristics, we must question whether traditional interpretations of "willing submission" or "choosing to join" are accurate. Consider these possibilities:

• A horse stopping in a round pen might be experiencing a freeze response rather than "deciding to negotiate."
• The coveted "licking and chewing" behavior might show stress processing rather than relaxation.
• Approach and following behaviors could signal appeasement instead of genuine connection.
• Compliance might reflect learned helplessness rather than an authentic partnership.

These distinctions matter profoundly. Horses in freeze mode may appear "well-trained" but lack the genuine engagement that characterizes true partnership. Without this awareness, we risk building relationships on compliance rather than genuine connection—achieving the appearance of join up while missing its essence entirely.
Genuine "joining" occurs when horses exist in a calm, curious state—the same emotional condition necessary for any authentic learning. This reframing opens doors to exploring methods that prioritize the horse's emotional well-being and genuine choice rather than interpreting compliance as connection.

The Critical Difference: Submission vs. Connection
Contemporary equine behaviorists and trauma-informed trainers increasingly recognize that apparent "submission" often masks a freeze response. Authentic connection emerges when horses have choices, not when someone systematically eliminates their options until compliance becomes their only viable strategy.
Think about it this way: true partnership requires both parties to have the freedom to say no. When we remove that freedom—even gently—we're not creating connection; we're manufacturing compliance.

The Path Forward
How do we move forward with this understanding? It's important to note that the effectiveness of any training method depends on the trainer's skill and sensitivity in recognizing the subtle differences between communication and stress-inducing pressure. Many accomplished natural horsemanship practitioners develop this discernment through years of experience and observation. However, this level of nuanced awareness can be challenging to teach and learn, which may explain why results vary so widely among practitioners.
Understanding traditional frameworks provides valuable context for exploring evolved approaches to join up. While the fundamental goal of creating willing partnership remains worthy, ongoing discussions about the most effective and ethical methods continue to advance our understanding.
The beauty of horsemanship lies in its continuous evolution as we deepen our knowledge of equine psychology, learning theory, and interspecies communication. The traditional join up method represents one important chapter in this ongoing story of human-horse partnership—but it need not be the final word.
​
Next month’s post will share an abundance of information about training your eye to spot signs of connection and when it is not happening. And, even more exciting, we will delve into an alternative process of Matching Steps to psychologically connect with our horses, unlocking a new level of understanding and partnership.
 
Join the conversation! Comment below.

TRANSCRIPT
​(Make sure to watch to the very end to see an example of how powerful your work is, even if the horse appears to be paying little attention while you do it.)
Welcome to Part Four of my-no-pull-back-event-is-insignificant series.
Last time, I was unable to discuss the Ace-bandage head wrap, because Jalila spooked while I was putting it on and became upset. Fortunately, I hadn’t tied the wrap, and it easily came loose and fell off.
I want to emphasize that I didn't make a fuss over reintroducing the wrap. Since the incident three weeks ago, I've fed her twice with the bandage looped over my shoulder and laid it across her back once.
People are generally advised to repeat actions to succeed quickly, a strategy rooted in the ego's need to control and conquer. If I'd tried to force Jalila to wear the wrap the next day, she would only have become more suspicious and fearful of it.
Some benefits of the head wrap are:

• Horses receive unique sensory input from its gentle pressure.
• It can help calm a nervous horse.
• It improves focus and proprioception awareness during training.

MAKING AN ENERGY SANDWICH
Now, let's learn a simple but powerful energy technique called the "energy sandwich.” Using this technique, healing energy penetrates more deeply into body tissues. It can also harmonize the energy on both sides of the treated area, thus promoting a balanced energy field in the body.
An energy sandwich allows you to target healing energy. You may apply one around a joint, on either side of a chakra, or any area of pain or discomfort. To address the ripple effects of a pull-back incident, our focus will be on the poll. Ultimately, we will place our hands on either side of the atlas, which is the first cervical vertebra, often called C-1. However, since this area may be sore, making the horse reactive, we'll start at the base of the neck and work our way toward the poll.
To perform an energy sandwich, place one hand on each side of the area being treated, essentially "sandwiching" the body part or energy center between your hands. While doing this, it's important to:

• Quiet your mind.
• Abandon any preconceived notions or desired outcomes.
• Tune in to sensory feedback like heat, tingling, or pulsing between your hands.
• Focus on generating a healing energy stream from one hand to the other.

Don’t be in a rush. You may find you want to stay longer on certain areas of the neck than others. Follow your intuition and the feedback your horse provides.
If the horse accepts your invitation to relax, you may find that repeating this sequence while swaying side to side by shifting your weight from one foot, then the other, much as we did in the wither rock, adds an element of lateral rocking that enhances the benefits of this exercise.
The energy sandwich is a valuable tool for you to have in your toolbox. It’s a simple, effective, and direct approach. This technique's versatility makes it accessible to beginners yet remains a powerful tool in the hands of experienced healers, allowing practitioners at all levels to engage in focused, intentional energy healing.
Be prepared to follow your horse’s movement should they raise or lower their head while you are working with them. This can be a little awkward, so simply do your best.
I like to turn the horse loose when I’m finished and remove myself from the process. Sometimes they like to roll or walk around. And again, don’t be in a rush. You are on Equine Standard Time.
Wait for it… I’ll take that. 

​In my upcoming book, In It for the Horses: A Journey from Whips to Whispers (July 2025), I advocate for a revolutionary shift in our approach to horsemanship. Challenging the long-held belief that horse training is a series of battles where humans, as supposedly superior beings, must dominate to achieve mastery. Instead, I propose a more compassionate, spiritually aware approach that transforms not just our relationship with horses, but potentially our connection to the natural world as a whole. In this video, you will see this philosophy in action and learn the importance of clearing yourself of any preplanned agenda and working solely on Equine Standard Time.

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
So, my plan was to put an ace bandage head wrap on Jalila so you could watch how she responds. I’ve done it once before and she immediately put her head to the ground and went through all this releasing process.
Part of the problem here in what happened is that I couldn’t quite remember how I was supposed to handle the bandage. And so, I got an agenda in my head about tying the bandage and she sensed that disconnect. You can see already that she’s putting her head up higher and her tail is swishing. She’s telling me that I need to calm my brain. And I’m thinking: do I wrap it here? How do I get this to fasten so I can come across the forehead? I just came across… If I hadn’t let go, things might have been okay, but then the wind blew it and everything went south.
I went out to make a video about four things you can learn to do to help your horse after a pull-back incident. Don’t worry, those four things are in here, but the experience offered too many opportunities to limit it to just them.
I want to show that horses who understand positive reinforcement training are not nippy or pushy or food obsessed. Here, I clicked Jalila for looking at me and consenting to have the headgear put on and I want you to see what happens when the video resumes: I offer the treat, and she tells me she’d rather not take it from my hand. She wants me to put it on the ground instead.
That done, I step back and invite her to approach. The rapid clicks tell her, “You’re on the right track. Keep going.”
I have the bandage over my shoulder and I’m getting the side-eye. She’s willing to stay by me but not very crazy about the whole bandage idea yet. I’m happy that she’s not really moving away and she’s remaining engaged, but I really blew it as far as being able to put that head wrap on her for today.
I still need to deal with the fact that she has been traumatized and that has created tension in her body. So, much like a pull-back incident, we’re going to continue and see if we can release things and get her happy.
This presents a really good opportunity to show the value of teaching a horse to target. Because you can change the subject in a conversation and do something with the target––immediately go to something they’re very comfortable with, they’re very successful, and they understand everything about it. With that, you can reintroduce the scary thing. The clicker makes a bridge between the scary thing and the familiar. You see I can take the target very close to that bandage, where just a few minutes ago, she wouldn’t even come near me with it on my shoulder. She’s already touching it. I can place the treat on the board. She’ll touch the target. She’ll switch and put her nose by the bandage. She’s a little concerned, but it’s definitely taken a lot of the charge out of it. 
Another thing that’s really important with a lot of horses, and this horse in particular, is movement for stress release. Confinement can amp her up to where her brain doesn’t work very well anymore. So, I’m going to ask her to travel around a little bit and then offer the target again. (Jalila approaches the target, which is placed by the bandage) Here, I can actually put it on the target and then pick it up with the target. She remains curious. All of this is good.
So, I spent probably a half hour getting to this point where we could be over the bandage thing. I’m not going to try and put it on her. That would be a bridge too far and a sure-fire step toward failure. It reminds me of my friend and favorite farrier, Doug Fraiser, who always said: It don’t pay to hurry a horse. When you’re working with a horse, you’re on Equine Standard Time. And that is one of the best lessons you could learn from this video.
 
AND NOW, THINGS YOU CAN DO TO ADDRESS THE TRAUMA OF PULLING BACK
Cross-fiber massage of the RECTUS CAPITUS LATERALIS muscle
There’s a muscle that runs from behind the ear, along the crest by the poll, that is often tight, and a cross-fiber massage is generally well received. For any reason, by most horses.
 Wither and Tail Rock
To do a wither rock, I simply cup my hands over the withers and shift my weight back and forth from my heels to the balls of my feet. Now you notice that she stepped away. That’s not because she doesn’t like the wither rock. We do enough bodywork together that she’s telling me she wants her sacrum released. So, I switch to a tail rock. My hand is cupped over the top of the dock of her tail. You can see that her whole body moves in response to the slightest shift in my weight.
Connected Groundwork Cheek Delineation
 Peggy’s Cumming’s Cheek Delineation exercise releases tension in the throatlatch and the TMJ joint. It’s beneficial after a pull-back incident, also after dental work, and can be part of a daily routine after riding or groundwork to help relax the horse’s throatlatch.
You can start at the center of the forehead. Then come along the side of the TMJ with your hand slightly cupped. Run your fingers along the groove behind the horse’s ear, along the cheekbone (the mandible) and when you get to about the center point, just pause, and hold to release the muscle.  
Connected Groundwork Caterpillar
The Connected Groundwork exercise called Caterpillar not only releases a horse’s neck and poll, but it also promotes telescoping, an action necessary for a horse to lift through the shoulders in motion.
Begin at the base of the neck. Cup your hand gently (like a clamshell) then gently open and close your hand as you slide along the jugular groove toward the poll. This is not a massaging action, so don’t squeeze.
You’ll notice that I add a reward for the release, so Jalila knows she has done what I expect. I have not yet put this response on command, but I do click her for doing it when working around the round pen.
I also plan to bring the two together to improve her posture and self-carriage in movement.
Jalila Around the Round Pen
We’re in the early stages of this but you can see that by clicking I can encourage her to seek this certain posture and it does encourage telescoping. As I work to improve the duration of that posture, we will be able to work on different things like lengthened stride and how much she pushes from her hindquarters, but this is just the beginning of the application.
Crest Massage
Another exercise you can do for tension in the neck is to begin at the withers and gently squeeze the crest with an upward lifting action. Move up the entire neck in two-inch increments.
 
 
TTouch Zig Zag or Zebra
The Tellington Method, developed by Lind-Tellington Jones, is a unique system for handling animals. This exercise is called the Zig Zag or Zebra. Use it to connect your horse front to back and increase circulation.
Using a soft hand, begin at the shoulder or behind the ear and trace the the stripes of a zebra along the whole animal.
Peggy Cummings advocates using this TTouch under the saddle pad after a ride to increase airflow and promote cooling. Be sure to do both sides.
 
SUPPORTIVE INFORMATION
Introduction
I hope the two preceding posts have convinced you that shrugging your shoulders and doing nothing isn't an option. No pull-back event should be written off as insignificant. In the previous posts, I discussed the damage a pull-back incident can do to your horse and potential long-term effects. I also recommended seeking veterinary and/or bodyworker evaluation and taking steps to lessen the trauma. But what if professional care isn't accessible or affordable or you've determined the incident was minor?
So, let's look at some things you can do…
But first, let me briefly introduce you to these two modalities.
Connected Groundwork® is part of Connected Riding® and Connected Enterprises founded by Peggy Cummings. This training method aims to diminish bracing patterns in both horse and human. This dynamic approach allows horses to shift weight easily, move by releasing tension rather than creating it, and lengthen their muscles instead of compressing them. In these ways, Connected Groundwork® promotes/allows freedom of motion, elasticity, mental focus, and offers the horse an opportunity to participate in a meaningful way by offering choices in response to requests. Just as in humans, achieving a balance of mind, body, and spirit creates a connection, synchronizing two bodies in motion. This process not only empowers the rider but ultimately empowers the horse as well.
For more information:
Cummings, Peggy. Book Title: Connect with Your Horse from the Ground Up. Trafalgar Square, 2011. Website: https://www.connectedriding.com/
 
Tellington TTouch® Training Method, founded by Linda Tellington-Jones, is a unique and complete system of understanding, handling, and influencing our animals and ourselves. This forward-thinking approach sees behavior as a means of communication rather than attitude or personality. The Tellington Method combines observations and philosophy, bodywork, ground exercises, and equipment to help animals find physical, mental, and emotional balance as a way of enhancing communication, cooperation, and harmony. The Tellington Method does not use the escalation of pressure to create behavior, nor does it rely solely on positive reinforcement. TTouch® aims to clearly communicate our intentions to animals while breaking down the learning process into small, manageable steps, ensuring a low-stress and logical approach.
For more information:
Tellington-Jones, Linda. Book The Ultimate Horse Behavior and Training Book: Enlightened and Revolutionary Solutions for the 21st Century. Trafalgar Square, 2006. Website: https://ttouch.com/
 
Conclusion
Taking action after a pull-back incident, even if it seems minor, is crucial for your horse's well-being. These ground exercises offer a practical, accessible way to address potential issues and prevent long-term complications.
By incorporating these Connected Groundwork® and Tellington TTouch® exercises into your routine, you're not just addressing physical concerns. You're also enhancing your horse's mental and emotional balance, improving your communication, and strengthening your bond.
Remember, your horse's response to these exercises can provide valuable insights into their physical and emotional state. This awareness allows you to address issues proactively, leading to more comfortable and productive riding experiences for both of you.
I encourage you to explore more about Connected Groundwork® and The Tellington Method. These approaches offer a wealth of techniques that can benefit your horse in numerous ways, far beyond addressing pull-back incidents.
 
 
In the video, I do what has become “my version” of a few of the exercises. The following instructions are the way Connected Groundwork and The Tellington Method present instructions for three of the exercises:
Cheek Delineation Exercise:  
Purpose:
This exercise releases tension in the throatlatch and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It's beneficial after pull-back incidents, dental procedures, and can be part of a daily routine before and after riding or groundwork.
Instructions:
Position: Stand on the left side of your horse, facing their cheek.
Hand Placement:

• Left hand: Gently hold the side of the halter.
• Right hand: Place your index, middle, and ring fingers in the groove just below the horse's ear, behind the cheekbone (mandible).

Technique:

• Cup your right hand slightly so your fingertips "hook" onto the edge of the mandible.
• Slowly trace the groove that follows the outline of the cheekbone.
• Use moderate pressure but be flexible. Lighten your touch over areas that feel congested, thick, or hard.
• Be gentle around the middle of the groove, where salivary and lymph glands are located.

Mindset: 
Remember, you're not forcing a release. You're inviting the horse to notice and release tension on their own.
Repetition: 
Trace the groove 2-3 times, allowing the horse to process between each repetition.
Repeat on the right side.
Observe: 
Watch for signs of release such as:

• Lowering of the head
• Lateral movement of the poll
• Licking or chewing
• Rolling of the eyes or blinking

Follow-up:
Without tugging or applying pressure to the lead rope, offer the horse an opportunity to walk. Observe their reactions.
Remember:
Always be gentle and attentive to your horse's responses throughout the exercise.
 
Caterpillar Exercise:  
Purpose:
This exercise promotes telescoping of the horse's neck, releasing the poll and opening the throatlatch, effectively allowing the base of the neck to lift.
Note:
Before beginning, observe the location of the cervical vertebrae in your horse's neck. They do not run along the top, under the mane.
Instructions:

• Position: Stand on the left side of your horse, facing their neck.
• Hand Placement:
  • Left hand: Take a light contact with the halter to maintain connection. Don't grip or use it to position the horse's head.
  • Right hand: Prepare to cup your hand around the neck, with your thumb in the jugular groove and fingers along the top ridge of the cervical vertebrae.

Technique:

• Start at the base of the neck, near the shoulder.
• Hold your hand in a "clamshell" shape, with the outer edge in contact with the horse.
• Slowly open and close your hand as you slide it toward the horse's ear in 2-4" increments.
• Do not squeeze. Remember, less is more.

Mindset:
The goal is to promote relaxation and release tension, not to achieve a predetermined reaction.
Repetition:
Repeat this motion several times, allowing the horse time to process between repetitions.
Observe:
Watch for signs of release such as:

• Softening of the eye
• Deep breaths
• Snorting or shaking of the head
• Lengthening or "telescoping" of the neck

Follow-up:
Be ready to let go of the halter should the horse choose to drop their head toward the ground.
Remember:
If the horse tenses, reduce the intensity of your touch. Always be gentle and attentive to your horse's responses throughout the exercise.
 
TTtouch Zebra (aka Zig-Zag) 
Becoming mindful of HOW we touch an animal is as important as the specific technique itself.  As is observing our 4-legged friend’s subtle feedback during and after contact.
A wonderfully simple way to make positive, mindful contact with nearly any species is the “Zebra” TTouch.
Also known as the “Zig Zag”, this technique is very simple to learn and teach others.
I find that it is a TTouch that I often use when first making contact with an animal.  I can easily adjust speed, pressure and how much of my fingertips, finger pads, palm or even the back of the hand I use.
It is fabulous to connect front and back end and increase circulation.
It is in the “Slide” Family of TTouches.
As you slide your fingers, imagine a zig zag pattern across the coat.
1. Place a soft/flat hand on the animal behind the ear (or shoulder or wherever your animal is accepting of contact)
2. As you retract your hand towards your body, slightly curl your fingers inward.
3. As you extend your hand/arm away, flatten and opens your fingers softly.
4. Continue along the whole animal to the hind end and even down the legs, if acceptable.
5. Pause and breathe as you change direction with each “Zag”.
6. Melt off
The “Zebra” is a great TTouch for horses as well as dogs and cats.
I especially like to do short “Zebra”s under the saddle pad after a ride.  I remove the saddle, leave the pad, and “Zebra” under the pad on both sides.  This allows for air flow to gently decrease the temperature on the warm back.  Much like putting on a layer before going outside, after working out at the gym, a few moments of “Zebra” significantly cools the back.
This tip came from Peggy Cummings.