Welcome to our blog, where we delve into the realm of equestrianism to shed light on the importance of training horses for relaxation rather than submission. In this post, we will explore how prioritizing the well-being of your equine partner can lead to a safe and fulfilling experience. To further enhance your understanding, we invite you to watch an insightful YouTube video titled "Are you training unwanted behaviours into or out of your horse”.

One of the mistakes most riders make is confusing softening for submission to a pressure release aid instead of relaxation into the aid/being given permission from our horse to apply the aid. If you can imagine if you had for example a halter on your head with someone telling you what to do by the application of it, you can start to see why we need to take into consideration how we use our aversives so that the horse not only accepts the application but also confidently seeks it for direction. We need to recognize that whether the horse is relaxing in to and seeking pressure for direction versus bracing against the application of the pressure can yield remarkable benefits for both rider and horse. By embracing the principle of training for relaxation, we establish a foundation of trust and mutual understanding, creating an environment in which our equine companions genuinely look after us.

When we prioritize relaxation, we encourage our horses to see us as reliable leaders. This fosters a bond of trust, wherein our horses feel secure and protected in our presence. By avoiding dominance-based training methods and emphasizing effective communication, we cultivate an atmosphere of cooperation, instead of demanding submission.

A relaxed horse is a receptive learner. By instilling a sense of calm and composure, we enable our horses to be more open to new experiences and less prone to spooky, flighty and reactive behaviours. This state of relaxation allows our horse to learn and seek answers in the training sessions. When we trigger reactive behaviours to condition through pressure release the horse is in the wrong part of their brain to learn and problem solve so even though they may figure out the answer in this training session when you go to teach the next new thing it can be like starting from scratch again. Whereas focusing on relaxation in training and congruent engagement results in accelerated progress when learning new skills or refining existing ones because we create a scaffolding in our foundations that allows us to layer the new skills in on top without having to start over.

Moreover, a relaxed horse tends to be more responsive and less reactive, both on the ground and under saddle. By training for relaxation, we empower our horses to develop emotional agility skills, thereby reducing the risk of accidents or injuries that may arise from a nervous, skittish and reactive equine partner. The path to achieving a cooperative partnership rests on fostering mutual respect and understanding.

It is important to dispel the misconception that relaxation equates to a lack of energy or motivation in horses. On the contrary, a relaxed horse remains engaged and attentive, while displaying a remarkable ability to respond to our cues. Striking the delicate balance between relaxation and energy ensures that our horses are neither lethargic nor excessively spirited, contributing to a harmonious partnership. Focus and effort with relaxation is the key to unlocking forwardness and relaxation and swing under saddle and the goal of the groundwork principles of the holistic equestrian.

In the aforementioned YouTube video, esteemed trainers illuminate the advantages of training for relaxation. They showcase a variety of techniques and exercises designed to help horses achieve a state of calm and sustain it throughout the training process. From desensitization exercises to groundwork and riding techniques, this video offers valuable insights into the significance of relaxation as the cornerstone of a safe and fulfilling partnership with your horse.

Our goal in training for relaxation, rather than pursuing submission, plays a pivotal role in creating a safe and enjoyable experience with our horses. By prioritizing trust, effective communication, and a calm state of mind, we build a profound bond with our equine companions. The YouTube video mentioned in this blog post serves as a practical resource, providing guidance and tangible demonstrations to aid us in our quest to train for relaxation. Remember, a relaxed horse is a content and cooperative horse, ensuring both our safety and enjoyment during our rides.