What is "Horse Whispering"?
You may have heard the term “Horse Whisperer” before—either from TV, movies or books. But what does it really mean? What is a “Horse Whisperer”? Is a Horse Whisperer really someone who “whispers” to their horse? Well…not exactly.
A Horse Whisperer is simply someone who has developed a method of communicating INVISIBLY with their horse. This connection is not mystical, magical or something only special people can do. It is both achievable and teachable by and to virtually anyone. For example: A Horse Whisperer can ask their horse to back up out of their space--WITH A GLANCE—just like an alpha mare or gelding in the pasture. When a Horse Whisper interacts with horses, they use IMPERCEPTIBLE AIDS. This means that the signals that they use to influence the horse cannot easily be seen by the casual observer. What this allows for is one of the most beautiful relationships that a person can have with an animal--UNITY!
“A Horse Whisperer is someone who communicates with a horse so subtly…that no one can see what they did to cause the horse to respond.” ~ Dennis Reis
A Horse Whisperer is simply someone who has developed a method of communicating INVISIBLY with their horse. This connection is not mystical, magical or something only special people can do. It is both achievable and teachable by and to virtually anyone. For example: A Horse Whisperer can ask their horse to back up out of their space--WITH A GLANCE—just like an alpha mare or gelding in the pasture. When a Horse Whisper interacts with horses, they use IMPERCEPTIBLE AIDS. This means that the signals that they use to influence the horse cannot easily be seen by the casual observer. What this allows for is one of the most beautiful relationships that a person can have with an animal--UNITY!
“A Horse Whisperer is someone who communicates with a horse so subtly…that no one can see what they did to cause the horse to respond.” ~ Dennis Reis
BUT… a Horse Whisperer is not wimpy, and neither are they aggressive. A Horse Whisperer is ASSERTIVE. This means that when they begin their communication with the horse, they use the slightest of suggestions…or whispers. If the horse does not respond, they use an ESCALATION OF AID. They increase the amount of pressure they use until the horse responds. This pressure is designed to mimic the same type of pressure that another horse would use when they are being dominant in the pasture. Being dominant, doesn’t mean being mean…It means being the one who is #1 in the pack or herd. This method of communication is Universal and Natural to the horse. The Horse Whisperer uses as much pressure as needed to cause the horse to respond to their leadership but never uses more pressure than what is necessary. This tradition also stems from the philosophy that THE HORSE IS NEVER WRONG. The horse is perfect in all circumstances. You can’t train something that’s perfect…you can only provide them with clear and concise communication through a Universal and Natural BODY LANGUAGE.
But how does one go about achieving this unique relationship with their horse? Simple—through study, dedication and practice, practice, practice. Learning how to “Whisper” is not something that takes a decade, but it cannot be achieved in a few days either. It takes many months, even a few years of study and practice. BUT…it is something that virtually ANYONE can do. Horse Whispering doesn’t necessarily mean fancy tricks (although that is something you can later do if you choose to), but rather simple movements, done with quality, precision and control. Your horse never does what you want; they only do what you tell them, or what you program them to do. “It works if you do!” ~ Evan Bonner
BUT WHY WOULD I WANT THIS KIND OF RELATIONSHIP? The answer to that is simple. Through clear and refined communication, you can do, achieve or accomplish anything with your horse. No problem is too hard to fix; with effective leadership. No horse is too hard to handle; with clarity, escalation of aid, preparation and position. No goal is too high; with a clear pathway and a qualified instructor. Whether your Dream is to one day compete in the Olympic Games, or like most of us, to just enjoy calm, relaxing rides in your backyard—you need to be a leader in your herd.
BUT WHY WOULD I WANT THIS KIND OF RELATIONSHIP? The answer to that is simple. Through clear and refined communication, you can do, achieve or accomplish anything with your horse. No problem is too hard to fix; with effective leadership. No horse is too hard to handle; with clarity, escalation of aid, preparation and position. No goal is too high; with a clear pathway and a qualified instructor. Whether your Dream is to one day compete in the Olympic Games, or like most of us, to just enjoy calm, relaxing rides in your backyard—you need to be a leader in your herd.
