Pressure and Release

Horse Illustrated has a good article on Western training myths in the February issue. Sandy Collier, a reined cowhorse trainer, makes a really good point about how horses learn that I'd like to share. Myth No. 1 - "Horses that are strong in the mouth need a stronger bit," and Myth No. 5 - "Pulling on your horse makes him hard-mouthed" are really interconnected, and bring up a point that I notice with a lot of riders. If your horse is running through the bit, and not respecting your hands, oftentimes it is because you aren't releasing the pressure quickly enough. Horses learn from the release, not the pressure itself. If you aren't giving the "reward" for stopping by releasing the pressure on the bit, the horse doesn't have any incentive to listen to the signal given by the rider pulling on the bit. This becomes a vicious cycle when the rider starts using a stronger bit because the horse isn't responding, but doesn't work on improving their release. The horse will respond better at first, because the bit applies more pressure, but when the release doesn't come quickly enough to reinforce that that was the correct thing to do, the horse starts ignoring the stronger bit as well. So the rider switches to an even stronger bit. One of the most interesting things about starting colts, and training horses in general, is how quickly they pick up on things when your release of pressure comes correctly and consistently. They are looking and searching for that release, and it is incredibly effective in letting them know that they have done what you asked. When the release isn't there, oftentimes the horse becomes frustrated, or unresponsive. So for your horse's sake, think about how you are riding, and make sure to reward them with a prompt release of pressure when they do as you ask. One of the best things you can do for your horse is to always be learning, and trying to improve your riding and communication skills. Every time you ride, you are training your horse, for better or for worse.