Horsemanship Principles
By: Nicole Shoup Horsemanship
It is important to be aware that each horse’s behavior is a product of their desire to stay
safe. Whether that is to get out/away or to partner with a person and trust. You would be
surprised how much a horse can change when you show them a listening ear, support,
love, leadership, and calm confidence.
This begs the question of what makes a horse trust someone? Well, what makes the
person trustworthy? This is what we need to ask. It's not inherent for a horse to trust,
enjoy work, or want to be with people. It's earned and developed. When they do trust
and get along with us they can truly give us their whole heart. Which is an honor and
NOT a right.
Here are some of my favorite horsemanship principles that help horses trust and build
connection with us.
1. Support the horse through seeing what they need before they need it.
2. Less is more.
3. Slow is fast.
4. Connect your body, the rope, and the whip to the feet.
5. Be aware of where the feet are.
6. Be aware of the horses breathing and expression.
7. The aid comes from within yourself.
8. Good horsemen never lose their temper.
9. Good horsemen never attack the horse (particularly the mouth).
10. Feel of the horse and make tiny adjustments more than bland pressure and
release.
11. Rhythm is everything.
12. Count the footfalls (again, THE FEET!)
13. Keep the seat bones level.
14. Be responsible and considerate cargo.
15. Contact is a gift.
16. Give more than you take.
17. Smoother is gooder.
18. You respect the horse 1st.
19. Listen to the horse.
20. Be patient.
21. See what the horse is shaping up to do and get ahead.
22. Don't pull.
23. Guide the horse to balance.
24. Be the kind of person your horse wants to be around.
25. Truly love the horse.
If you want your horse to be calm and confident, then you must also be calm and
confident. If you want a willing horse that moves freely, then you need to let go of
controlling every little thing. If you want to build a bond with your horse, you must show
up for them emotionally and physically.