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Warmblood Whispers WHAT YOUR HORSE IS TRYING TOTELL YOU Horse Listening versus Horse Whispering


o harbor a lifelong passion for understanding our horses and ourselves with our horses is honorable. As both a horse trainer and a clinical psychologist, one of the questions I am frequently asked centers around how to inspire and ultimately influence our horses—whether it’s to improve their physical performance or their overall behavior. An important distinction I have come to identify is the difference between ‘horse listening’ and ‘horse whis- pering.’ The latter is familiar to many. Through the ages, an individual that has been able to tactfully influence a horse is labeled a horse whisperer. So is it just whisperings of sweet


T nothings in our horse’s ears that can shape a behavior?


With all this whispering, what about listening? Bear in mind that active listening is a difficult endeavor for humans with other humans. Therapists take entire courses to learn how to listen to others. Active listening is difficult because as someone speaks our natural incli- nation is to parallel that experience in our minds or pre- pare a rebuttal. Active listening, a concept in behavioral medicine, is considered a cornerstone of a collaborative relationship, one that builds empathy and can contribute significantly to improved thera- peutic effects. But it is not inher- ent to our nature therefore not altogether instinctual. While both whispering and


listening is important, I propose that listening to our horses should be the first step. Too often, our interactions with horses are typically transactional (directive, goal oriented, time focused) rather than relational. The idea of whispering implies that the priority is that of “doing” to effect a change. It can imply that there is a mission where


36 November/December 2014


you want to make something happen. Listening, in con- trast, is a process. If we are striving for a communion, a connection with


our horse, we must remember that connection comes with and from bidirectional communication. Encouraging a dia- logue means that there is both listening and whispering.


When we prioritize our horse’s comfort, both mental and physi- cal, above all else this opens up the channels to hear him. Grooming time and ground exercises are both wonderful opportunities to improve our listening skills. Our natural state, with both feet planted on terra firma, is a good place to start with the listening process. Off the horse, we have a special opportunity to hone our listening skills because we have our grounding. (This is quite different from seeking our grounding through the horse when we are atop him.) Factors such as our own safety and balance are not at the forefront of our psyche. Thus, our senses are available to engage more fully in the listening process, and in that moment, the focus is entirely on the horse and his welfare. Use that time well, as it can help you create a much more effective and tailored ride that speaks to the horse as the individual he is.


A brief mindful lunge session before your ride reveals where your horse is that day. Even a ‘listening’ lunge session as short as five minutes allows you to assess your horse’s balance, strength and comfort for that particular day and is a valuable source


Dr. Maria Katsamanis


Caroline Twohill Photography


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