05/11/2026
So true!!!!
A well trained horse will frustrate riders faster than a backyard broke one ever will.
A well trained horse expects you to ride. Not just sit there and point it in the general direction of the gate, but actually ride. They are intune to that subtle twitch of your hip, that brush of your calf on their side, that 2% change in the reins. Every shift in pressure or weight is a cue for them to adjust and respond to.
For someone who hasn’t learned that language yet, it can feel like bowling, strike, spare, gutter ball repeat, yet they swear nothing changed when they threw the bowling ball.
On the other side you have backyard horse that’s often (but not always) dull to the leg, heavy in the bridle, and ignores half your cues, but that feels safe to a lot of people. They aren’t truly forgiving but dismissive to what’s happening on its back.
A well trained horse isn’t complicated. It’s actually the opposite. It’s clear, responsive, and aware. But that level of communication can feel intimidating or frustrating if you’re used to riding something that’s the opposite.
We can ride most horses here bridleless, not because we are super hero’s but because we are as in tune with our body position and cues just as much as our horses are. We can often ride our training horses bridleless yet see the owners struggle with keeping them soft and light and responsive with a saddle and bridle. That’s because we engage our hips, ride with our seat, and are aware of what a mere change in an ounce of measure should result in.
Anyone can train THEMSELVES to be that aware and responsive but it takes time and repetition, it comes from spending hundreds of hours in the saddle and spending time learning to control your breathing, your instincts, and your body from your little finger all the way to your big toe.
Jen
RMPH
