Learn to Be Still

It is not just a great song by Eagles. It is also a message to your horse. And maybe to you as well.

If you have a young horse or a busy minded horse, there are a couple of important things I want to share from a mastery training perspective.

First, we need to distinguish between a curious mind and a busy mind. The two are often confused. Some riders mistake busyness for curiosity and indulge it. In doing so, they sometimes inadvertently reward a busy, almost ADHD type mind in their horse.

Second, there are several methods that can help a young or busy horse learn to be still. I highlight multiple methods because people sometimes become almost religious about a single technique. Mastery training embraces creativity. It looks for the most kind and natural approach for each individual situation.

One of my favorite methods for teaching stillness is very simple. On the ground, I stand in front of my horse, reaching forward and gently holding the horse's head in my hands and begin counting the seconds.

At first the horse wiggles and worms, searching for a way to escape the soft illusion of a trap his head is caught in. Then a moment of stillness comes over him and I reward with a release. That stillness may last only a few seconds at first, but with practice it can grow to minutes.

I can even practice this simple hold whole riding, using my reins to position and wait with the head until a calmness consumes him. Calmness in the form of a steadiness of position, a lack of darting eyes and wiggling head, a calm breath, etc.

When my daughter was a little kid, I'd play a similar game with her. She'd jump in my arms and wiggle for freedom. Then one day I decided to tell her a new way to win the game. The more she wiggled the longer I'd hold her and her only chance for freedom was to relax. The second she let down, my arms would fly open and she'd gently step away to freedom. I'd always reward her calm, clever mind and she loved the game so much we'd play it often.

There are many other, creative methods, and all of them should lead to a calmer, sharper mind in your horse. Patience, persistence, and position are key to success when removing the busy mind and replacing it with a quiet one.

Imagine riding a horse whose mind is calm. Not busy. Not looking for trouble. Not leaning into excitement or running from imaginary fears. Imagine a horse that is truly there with you.

Training stillness helps create that wonderful experience. Be safe and smart about how much pressure you apply, how often you reward, and what kind of energy you bring to the situation. Some horses need more or less, and nuance is important.

Here is to your success, dear readers.


Sincerely,
​Don Jessop