Tips from Term 3 - HORSE HANDLER

Watch where you're going!

When leading a horse, always look ahead to where you want to go. Turning around to check on the horse can confuse them, as they’re masters at reading body language. If you face them while trying to move forward, you’re sending mixed signals. As Sharon Wilsie explains in Horse Speak®, “As humans we make so many random movements around horses that they can be at a loss trying to understand us.” Keeping your body language consistent helps the horse understand what you’re asking for!

Patience is key!

Did you know it can take a horse between one and three minutes to fully process a thought? That can feel like forever to us humans, and we often move too fast or lose patience when their response is slow. But working with horses successfully is a slow, methodical process, built on patience, repetition, and attention. The same principle applies when working with our participants. While they won’t need as long as a horse, giving them a few extra seconds (about three) to process instructions can make all the difference. So, remember to take a deep breath, pause, and repeat if needed! 

Understanding the Horse’s Brain

Dr. Stephen Peters, author of Evidence Based Horsemanship, explains, “The horse’s brain is more of a motor and sensory organ than it is a planning brain.” This means that horses live in the moment, responding to what they feel and see rather than planning ahead like humans do. At VTRA, this insight helps us remember to focus on clear, consistent body language and signals. Since horses rely heavily on their senses, how we interact with them physically—combined with the 15 Buttons of Horse Speak®—can make communication smoother and more predictable for them. By using this shared language, we create a consistent, calm environment for the horses, which in turn helps our participants thrive. 

Giving Horses a Break Between Lessons

If a horse has just finished a lesson and is scheduled for another right after, the horse handler does not need to warm them up again. Instead, it’s important to give them a short break. Let the horse rest in their stall for a bit, where they can relax and have a drink of water before being brought back to the indoor arena for their next rider. This small pause helps prevent fatigue, keeps them hydrated, and gives the horse a mental reset between sessions. A well-rested horse is a happy, engaged partner for our participants!