Fifty Shades of Black and White
Here is something that could save you and your horse from the dreaded “what are you asking me to do?” face-off. You know, the one where your horse looks at you like you’ve asked them to do a complicated math problem instead of a simple walk. Today, we’re diving into the importance of creating black and white cues for your horse, because, let’s be honest, no one likes being lost in translation.
You may have heard stories or even experienced training a horse when you were young, where you had to do the cha-cha dance to get them to go sideways or forward due the the ‘customization’ of your cues. While that might have been entertaining, it’s not exactly effective communication especially with a new rider. Horses are intelligent creatures, but they’re not mind readers. They need clear, consistent cues to understand what you’re asking them to do. Let’s explore why clarity is key and how to create those oh-so-crucial black and white cues!
The Cause of Confusion and Those Dreaded Grey Cues: The way you ride your horse is crucial. If your cues are as ambiguous as a fortune cookie message, your horse will be left scratching their hair wondering what on earth you’re asking for. We all joke about the horse we trained at 14 saying you have to put the car into reverse to go sideways and forward to turn diagonal. However, those are very grey cues.
Grey cues are like saying, “Hey horse, just do… something?” Not exactly helpful, right? Anything you ask with grey cues can mean anything! The lack of clarity can confuse your horse, leading to frustration on both sides. We don’t want our horses playing a guessing game, especially when a simple miscommunication can turn into an unexpected trot around the arena or, heaven forbid, a wild gallop.
The Universal Language for Horses: You’ve heard the saying, “It’s not what you say; it’s how you say it.” Well, with horses, it’s all about how you move. Your body is your primary communication tool, and horses are experts at reading body language.
It’s similar to using sign language, and you’re using all the gestures. You want to say “Do you want to make coffee?” but now you’re asking your grandma to “make out.” The message gets lost or misunderstood, and the same goes for riding cues. You want to be precise with your cues and your body language. Here’s how you can ensure your signals are clear:
- Be Precise: Give one command at a time. If you’re asking for a walk, don’t muddy the waters with extra signals.
- Consistency is Key: Choose specific cues for each command and stick to them. You want your horse to know exactly what you mean every single time.
- Avoid Mixed Signals: Be mindful of your entire body. A slight lean or tension in your posture can inadvertently communicate something different to your horse.
The Cue Dilemma: Take something as simple as asking your horse to walk. You could just say “walk on,” give a light squeeze, or even a little bump. But here’s the kicker: these are not interchangeable!
Choose one, maybe two cues for a specific situation. For instance, you might opt for a light squeeze with your calves accompanied by a verbal “walk on.” Once your horse understands this cue, they then become interchangeable—meaning you can ask for a walk with just the squeeze or the verbal cue, and your horse will know what you mean.
Think of it like learning a new dance step. Once you’ve got it down, it becomes second nature. But if you mix up the steps each time, you’ll end up with two left feet. Consistency helps your horse know what to expect, making them more willing and able to respond accurately.
The Trouble with Grey Cues: Let’s paint a picture here: one day, you decide to give your horse a big kick to get them moving, and suddenly, you’re off to the races with your horse bolting around the arena. Now you’re frustrated, and your horse is too because they thought they were doing exactly what you wanted. What happened here?
The increased pressure from that big kick sent mixed signals, causing your horse to react in an unexpected way. In their mind, they did what you asked, but it wasn’t what you intended. This is why grey cues can lead to misunderstandings and even dangerous situations. Your horse relies on your clarity to feel secure and confident in their actions.
When Things go Awry:
If your horse isn’t cooperating or seems confused, let’s not immediately jump to “This stupid horse isn’t doing what I want!” It’s time for self-reflection first, before you go blaming the horse. Ask yourself these questions to troubleshoot the situation:
- Did I Give the Correct Cue?
Ensure that you used the precise signal you’ve trained your horse to recognize. - Am I Sending Mixed Signals with My Body?
Check your posture and body language. You might be unintentionally communicating something else. - Is My Horse Capable of Doing What I Am Asking?
Consider your horse’s physical ability and current training level. Ensure you’re not asking for more than they can give. - Is My Horse Tired, Moody, Not Feeling Good, or Stubborn?
Sometimes fatigue or mood can affect your horse’s responsiveness. Be patient and adjust your expectations accordingly.
Building a Strong Communication Foundation: Your body language needs to be consistent. Light squeeze to walk on. Sit with a squeeze to trot. Sit deep and shift weight to the outside to canter. Understanding how cues affect your horse will give you a step above in training and performance.
You’ve probably heard stories of sending a horse to a trainer, and they seem to perform perfectly. But when you get them home, they suddenly forget everything. What gives? This is usually due to differences in cues. Trainers use precise cues, and if the owner doesn’t replicate those signals accurately or uses a different amount of pressure, the horse gets confused.
It’s crucial to know what cues your trainer is giving your horse. They should not only be working with your horse but also teaching you how to communicate effectively. Everything boils down to your energy and consistency.
Clear Cues: Let’s look at some fun and practical ways to ensure your cues are black and white.
- Hang Out with Your Horse: Spend quality time with them. This helps your horse get used to your presence and body language, even when you’re not riding.
- Groundwork: Ground training is a great way to practice precise cues without the added complexity of riding. Use this time to reinforce your communication skills.
- Use Visual Aids: Set up cones or markers in your training area to help guide your movements and ensure your body language and pattern stays consistent.
- Record Yourself: Video your riding sessions to spot any unintentional signals you might be giving. This self-awareness can be incredibly enlightening.
- Seek Feedback: Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from trainers or fellow riders. Sometimes an outside perspective can highlight areas for improvement.
Creating black and white cues for your horse is about building a language of trust and understanding. Your horse deserves the best chance to succeed, and that comes from clear, consistent communication. Remember, it’s not just about getting your horse to perform a skill; it’s about creating a partnership where both you and your horse can shine.
So next time you’re in the saddle, think about the signals you’re sending. Be mindful, be clear, and watch your partnership with your horse grow stronger and more harmonious with each ride. Enjoy a happy, well-communicated journey with your horse!
