As we repeat often- Learning to horseback ride is more than just sitting on a horse. Riders need to understand and be in tune with their body, balance and coordination. Established riders are able to realize that small movements with their hips, pelvis, calves and feet send cues to the horse for different movements, steering and other forms of communication. Building on these skills not only improves body awareness, strength and flexibility but also helps improves an individual’s ability to have relationships and communication skills. Body language is the largest form of communication between two people. 80% of all “talking” is done this way. Often times when we are communicating with a friend, co-worker, or peer we temper what we say based on the language we interpret from another’s stance, the look on their face, hand gestures, or numerous other body language signs and expresions. For many, this skill is just there, we know how to do it without really knowing how we do it. For some—this ability is not well developed or missing entirely.

What does this have to do with horse back riding you might ask?

For those individuals who struggle with relationships, understanding cues from others, and in their ability to communicate their own needs~ they can learn through horseback riding without having the anxiety that a “person to person” exchange can bring. Since all communication with a horse is done through body language it allows the rider to learn about the small movements that encompass communication and expression. Working in the saddle or with a horse on the ground, participants begin to recognize how their stance, posture, attitude, and movements affect another. In their head, they may want the horse to do one thing but through their body they are giving a different cue and can’t figure out why the horse is reacting differently then they want. This is when the instructor steps in as the interpreter, assists with some hints or some cues or helps them problem solve what is working and what isn’t.

Relationships and communication are a two way street where both parties have to be invested in the outcome. This is so true with horseback riding. Just sitting up there without doing your part as the rider - the horse will go anywhere it wants and do whatever it wants. Some horses require more input from their rider than others and some horses are very in-tune with the rider. When the individual has “checked out” from the “relationship”, has disengaged or become distracted, the horse will take full advantage of the situation.

For an individual who needs to learn about being an active member of a relationship, we choose appropriate mounts that can deal with distracted and unfocused, detached riders. Some horses can never learn to adapt to a “detached” rider. Others try hard to detect the subtle nuances of their riders and accommodate. In order for this goal to be truly successful, it also commands an instructor who can teach riding skills AND understand the often difficult and very subtle steps in harmonizing relationships and inter-communication. The instructor also has to have a deep understanding of the disabilities and traumatic events that can contribute to an individual’s lack of understanding in these areas. But with the right combination of horse and instructor~ the learning opportunities are endless and have a lifelong affect both on and off the horse.

We are so fortunate to have a few of these VERY special therapy horses and they are all we could have hoped for. For us, Sudie Bee and her daughter Sweet Bee take their job seriously and teach relationship and communication skills very well. For these challenging situations- both Sudie Bee and her daughter Sweet Bee completely step up to the plate and give their all- helping to empower their riders in many ways !