Once you experience that you can “talk” to horses like you talk to people, a new chapter opens on your journey to live, be and work with horses. In this process you will ponder the question on how to listen to horses, what is there to listen to, what to look for and how to notice what the horse is saying. As we try, fail and learn we get better in understanding the horse and better to respond.

Michelle calling Jack and Spirit to come for a walk to the beach

Thank you once again to Michelle for writing  your experiences, you are such a good writer and it is so interesting to read about your journey.

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Communication with horses by Michelle

Most of the time when people communicate with horses it’s just one-way. People do speak but mostly fail at listening. When you want to accomplish something with your horse without force it’s important that you can understand each other. Communication is speaking and listening. Stina told me that it’s important to take time, wait and listen. Think about what’s going on in his mind, where is his attention? To understand what the horse is saying you don’t need much knowledge of horses. Just some good sense and lots of interest will manage. Be curious, when you focus on details it becomes very interesting. It’s like communication with people.

How often aren’t we just listening to confirm our own thoughts instead of being interested in what’s going on in someone else’s mind? Now I become more aware of how often I ask something while the horse is still processing or focused on something else. Stina taught me that it’s not that the horse doesn’t want to listen. It’s just that he can’t hear you. When the horse is distracted, wait wait wait. If necessary ask for his attention and then ask your question. Repeat this every time you ask something while the horse is distracted or isn’t reacting directly.

You also will notice that the horse tells a lot himself, mostly when you are not aware. He has all these amazing thoughts about where you can find the best grass and how fast or slow he can walk. Don’t take it personal it’s just natural behaviour. The horse needs to be sure who is in charge because his life can depend on it. Don’t tell him not to. Just be clear in what you want and what your plans are and the horse will automatically follow. When you really start listening you’ll notice that the horse becomes more interested in you. When you’re having a conversation and you’re getting another answer than expected, it becomes real interesting.

He is just another living being with his own thoughts and opinions. Instead of forcing him to do what you want, try to understand what he is saying. Use his idea to accomplish what you want. This will make your horse real motivated. To learn and grow in communication you need experience. As a working student you have all day with the horses. You can practice within every situation. Because these horses are open, pure and natural they are the best teachers you can have. Being here as a working student is the greatest gift I could give to myself.

Michelle van Ardennen (Holland) Working Student

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Here is a small movie on gratitude that you might enjoy!

Happy Week and Happy Day to every one from St. Vincent

Stina