What do you feel like to your horse? When you’re grooming them? When you’re at the end of the lead rope? When you’re on their back? When you’re holding the reins?

Years ago, my otherwise agreeable mare started lifting her back leg and threatening to kick when I would use the curry comb, and sometimes even when I used a brush. It seemed to happen more in the winter. I asked my vet why he thought she was doing that? Did her back hurt? Did she have dry skin? Was she overly sensitive in a particular area? He assured me that any of those things were possible, but I should first look at how I was grooming her and find a way to do it that she liked! I realized I was brushing her a lot firmer than she liked. She preferred a softer feel. She was a much happier horse when I groomed her with the kind of “feel” that she liked!

Does your horse like the way you groom them? Do you groom them with the kind of “feel” they like? Some horses like it quick, some hard, some slow, and some soft. Give your horse the kind of “feel” from your brushes that they like.

When you lead your horse on the ground, do you help your horse find harmony with you? Or do you yank and pull them along? Can you offer the kind of feel on the lead rope that encourages your horse to follow your lead?

When you’re on their back are you balanced and fluid? Or are you stiff and rigid? Maybe you’re not stiff, but so loose that you’re a “sack of potatoes.” Do you know how to ride with structure and athleticism while keeping your joints fluid and mobile? What would your horse say you feel like? Are you committed to becoming the kind of rider your horse enjoys having on their back?

Do you offer a nice feeling on the reins?  Or are you too soft, too hard, too jerky, or inconsistent? Do you know when to hold and when to give? Do you offer your horse the kind of feel on the reins that helps them to be more relaxed and responsive? Or maybe the kind of feel you put on the reins causes your horse to be tense or dull and not responsive?

Commit to improving yourself and the “feel” that you offer to your horse, whether you are on the ground or on their back. Improving your “feel”  will lead to a happier horse and a happier life!