How Do Horses Define a Good Rider?

Jerry and Shiloh

Quite differently than people do! They don’t care how famous you are, how many competitions you’ve won, how many colts you’ve started, how well you can “ride out the bucks”, or how many advanced moves you can get a horse to do. They care if you are considerate, i.e. helping them feel safe and comfortable. Considerate means you balance and move with your horse so you are easy to carry. Your cues are clear and gentle. You are tuned in to your horse’s emotional state, willing to adjust your plans to support him if necessary. You don’t have to be perfect; somehow horses seem to know when we are trying. Considerate does NOT mean permissive. A considerate rider holds a horse to a high standard of safe, reliable behavior; but she makes sure he understands what is expected, and maintains it with her own consistency and clarity, not with punishment or drills. She might expect a horse to work hard, stretching his own physical or emotional limits; but she prepares and supports him so he can feel confident and successful. This is all part of being a Protector Leader, one who earns her horse's trust by showing she is looking out for him. Considerate riders earn horses’ willing cooperation, enthusiasm, and devotion. As Snowman’s Harry DeLeyer said, “If you take care of your horse, your horse will take care of you.” This article (an excerpt from “What Horses Really Want”) offers “Considerate Rider” tips that you might not learn in lessons. 13 Ways to Become a Rider Horses Want to Carry