This open connection we initiate feels like ‘higher bandwidth’ access to our horse came available. With this comes the second key: the opportunity to refine our use of our tools.

Conventionally a carefully timed release of pressure highlights the desired response and rewards the horse. Much can be achieved this way, so where’s the problem?

Say we ask our horse to yield his hind-quarters – for example by directing pressure towards the hip using the end of the lead-rope – and the horse steps over. Did he follow our Feel or avoid its promise of pressure?

If we then reward him immediately by dropping the pressure like a hot potato, to emphasize his correct response, what does the horse actually experience as the reward? A dropped connection from us. Wait! Didn’t we want to build a closer connection?

When our Feel includes a series of “connection hang-ups”, like a bad cell phone connection, the depth of conversation will take on a natural limit and lacks Flow.

Don’t Hang Up on Me!

When we add finer brushes to our art, our expression becomes clearer, more refined and our brace gives way to grace.

We do this through simple presentations of Feel in the rope/rein between your hand and the horse’s halter/bridle. We combine these skills with a set of releases that shape and direct without pushing pressure from us towards the horse - and without the dependendce on preceding pressure to release. 

This allows our Feel to go through the horse’s body to his feet, instead of to the body and at his feet.