14/09/2025
Authority vs. Dominance in Horse Training: A Classical Perspective
In classical training, the relationship between horse and human is built on mutual respect, clarity, and shared communication, not force. As trainers and riders, we must hold a position of authority without resorting to dominance. While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they represent profoundly different philosophies.
Authority, in the context of teaching, is earned. It comes from consistency, calm confidence, and deep knowledge. A teacher with authority does not impose their will but guides with clarity, fairness, and understanding. Authority provides the horse with security and a sense that someone is leading with purpose and wisdom. It invites the horse into a dialogue where learning can happen without fear.
In contrast, dominance relies on control and submission. This approach tends to close off communication rather than foster it. While a dominant method might produce immediate compliance, it often sacrifices the horse’s trust and willingness. Over time, it creates tension, resistance, and, in many cases, emotional withdrawal.
This distinction between authority and dominance reminds me of my own experiences in school. I’ll admit that I tended to walk all over the softer teachers, pushing boundaries and misbehaving. But, the very strict teachers who ruled with fear didn’t facilitate my learning, either. I was too anxious and focused on not messing up to absorb anything meaningful.
However, the teachers who found a balance, those who were fair yet firm, structured yet kind, able to have a laugh while still being serious, were the ones I learned from the most. They held authority, not through fear, but through consistency, clarity, and genuine care.
It’s the same with horses.
We need to guide our horses clearly, set boundaries kindly, and create an environment where learning can occur without confusion or anxiety. Our goal is to be someone the horse can trust, not someone they fear.
Here’s the real challenge: unlike schoolteachers, who typically receive training before standing in front of a class, we’re expected to be good teachers to our horses while still learning ourselves. No one is born knowing how to train a horse; we learn through experience, often by trial and error. So, of course, we will make mistakes sometimes.
But that’s okay. If we continuously return to the principles of fairness, patience, and clarity, our horses will forgive our mistakes and keep trying with us. In fact, that’s what makes the journey so beautiful, we learn to teach while simultaneously learning through teaching.
Ultimately, our goal is to develop a horse who is not just obedient but also expressive, balanced, and willing, a partner who moves with us not because they must, but because they understand. This is the beauty of classical training: a path where authority guides, and harmony grows.
Tiago reminds me of myself when I was in school. He has a very strong sense of purpose; "because I liked you to" is never a good enough answer for him! As a comedian, he would definitely be the classroom joker.
Here he is, bringing comedy while filming for my online course. Pulling my hair and licking my face was far more interesting than standing still in front of the camera 😂
I'm really glad that I have gained knowledge from my lifetime with horses and my training in légèreté. Without this knowledge, Tiago might have ended up being labeled as one of those "problem horses."
