09/11/2025
Communication during body work with horses. Listening and building trust.
Horses indicate the presence of tension in many ways
~ lifting a leg
~ moving away
~ ears/ear back
~ holding breath
~ tension round muzzle
~ nipping
~ moving to indicate an area
~ stiffening
It's our job to listen by respecting what they indicate, lifting pressure, moving area, stepping back, taking a break, re thinking strategy, changing technique and touching back in.
It's in the listening that you learn, it's in the listening that you adapt.
This is never more important than in your 'first session' there is no relationship between therapist and horse, they don't know what you are there to do, it's an initial meet and it's in part about treating the horse as they present but also showing them you listen and in that you can be trusted.
We always stress the signs of relaxation and those vary and are present and are a sure sign however big or small but we also need and must respect all signs... Any indication of want, need, feeling are hugely important to me....where are they sore? Uncomfortable? What do they need? What technique suits? What makes them feel good? Where do they want me to work?
Relationship matters in body work and that first session is just the start of a longer over time conversation 🐎🐴
