"To use or to improve?" That is the question.

Shakespeare almost had it with his "to be or not to be" quote. 🤣

Joking aside, did you know Shakespeare added seventeen hundred words to the English language? His work provided valuable, nuanced communication, enriching our lives with beauty and clarity. My goal is the same: not more words, but more clarity and nuance for an enriched horsemanship experience.

The question is this:

When you ask your horse to do something, does the style of your cue reinforce the cue, making it sharper and easier the next time, or does it simply use up the cue, making it dull and gradually less useful?

I'll say it differently. When you ask your horse to go, does he get better each time, or do you find yourself shopping for spurs because he is getting worse?

How about this one?

When you ask your horse to stop, does it get easier every time, or do you find yourself wondering if you need a new bit and bridle?

Here's the principle:

Every time you use a signal, you either reinforce it and sharpen its value, improving its quality, or you do the opposite. How you ask matters.

For simplicity, did you know that backing a step or two after stopping enhances your stopping cues, making them better each time? Sure, sometimes you just use cues practically and purposefully, but if you're aware, you will also improve them consciously.

That means sometimes you just stop your horse, nothing extra, because sometimes backing would be impractical. But a smart trainer sees the value in not just "using" a cue but improving it. So, often, backing after stopping becomes part of the training program.

Did you know that a horse that struggles to go, getting seemingly lazier every time you ask, can learn to go off a feather-light touch? If you think about how to improve instead of just using a cue, your whole world changes. I'll leave your imagination open as to how you'd do that.

Can you think of a few games that would improve the cue and clarity for your horse? If you could make a mini personalized program, you'd see massive improvement in just a few sessions.

Now, let's land this home. Every time you ride, or even lead your horse from the ground, he or she is watching you, learning your habits, commitments, and communication.

Pay attention to how you communicate. Are you actively improving your communication or simply using the ABCs your trainer left you with?

I'd love to help you on a personal level to uncover the nuance in your language with your own, unique horse and improve upon it. I'd love to celebrate the success of your journey. I'd love to see you embrace the next level with enthusiasm.

You know where to find me. I look forward to meeting you. ​Don