BREATHE LIFE INTO TRAINING

HORSES OF KINGS ARTICLE by Jenny Rolfe

CLASSICAL COMMUNICATION

This is an introduction to my future articles and also to our teaching here in England. My book “Ride From the Heart” will be published next year, and the title is no accident. I asked Classical Maestre Luis Valenca, on one of my visits to Lisbon, what meant most to him when working with horses. He replied, ‘to ride from the heart.’ I realized this was the most important philosophy for me, and the message I wanted to convey throughout my book.

We are continually evolving a system of training based on minimal confrontation with the horse. The only way to achieve this is to understand and listen to our horse and communicate in a language which he can understand. When we observe the sensitivity of the horse, it becomes obvious that less can often be more! How often will a horse leap into the air when he hears a rustle of leaves or when a fly lands on his back?

When we look at the nature of the horse and his responses, it should make us aware that strong aids will not necessarily be more effective aids. Our horse can understand the gentle touch and the quiet voice which should be the aim of our teaching. If you observe a herd of horses, from their earliest days they learn to challenge, even in their play. Herd members will always be looking to dominate and challenge the behaviour of others. Our horses will predictably continue with these natural traits within their training, however with calmness and discipline, we can seek to build a relationship where ‘LESS will become MORE.’

Have you ever listened to a conversation between two people, where differing opinions are aired, where voices become raised and neither person is really listening? Both parties try unsuccessfully to get their point across and the harsh tone and raised voices continue. An argument has begun! This is how it can evolve with our horses and it is our responsibility to keep communications quiet, disciplined and easy to understand.

In future articles, we will be discussing the value of loose work from the ground. This involves communications, using both voice and body language. My Andalusian stallion, Delfi n, was a bull fighting horse in Spain before we imported him to England. He is now an advanced dressage horse. He loves to work loose, which he fi nds stimulating and fun. He has a rather ‘cheeky’ nature!!

If I stand in the school, maybe 20 metres away from Delfin, he will watch all my movements intently and if I move sideways, he will mirror my movements whilst still totally loose. Of his own free will, he performs a half pass. I can control his paces as he moves in a circle, loose around me, only responding to my breathing and body language. He will change direction by watching my movements. There is a telepathy which has grown from years of learning and trying to understand each other. Every relationship, whether human or equine will take time and patience and much love to develop. I have found that our horses will mirror our own personality and become our greatest teachers!

Over a period of time, I began to realize the importance of our awareness of ‘breathing’ in our communications with horses. They are looking always for a herd leader to offer them calm direction. They will react immediately to tension, which brings an instant response from the fear and fl ight instinct of the horse. The herd will remain peaceful in the field if their leader is quietly grazing but if the horse stands alert, having seen some potential threat on the horizon, the whole group will become agitated andrestless.

If a horse is tense or excitable at thebeginning of training, I ask him to stand quietly with me for a few moments. I breathe deeply and stroke his neck, and then I will ask him to walk on the lunge and not allow him to trot until I give the signal. The horse at all times must learn to be attentive to us, which over a period of time will help him identify us as a herd leader worthy of his respect. During ridden work, after an intense few minutes of training, I will ride quietly at walk on a loose rein and encourage the horse to sigh deeply. I can feel the tension being released, and then we are both ready to start work again with fresh mind and relaxed body.

These concepts of communication are the aims throughout training, whether working with a young horse or an advanced dressage stallion. My articles will explain in detail how we can learn to observe our horses and enhance the communications. I hope that through my articles you can further enjoy and understand your training and deepen your relationship with your horse.