When it comes to horses, ask 100 people a question and you will likely get 99 different answers - it is possible that a couple of people will be in agreement. That may be an exaggeration, but it is true that there are hundreds of methods, philosophies and opinions about horses and there is a good reason for this. Horses are such individuals. They may have their genetic programing as a species, but each horse comes with his own set of circumstances, training and experiences that shape his view of humanity and his reactions to us. A horse person is "trained" and influenced by the horses she works with. This also creates a vast pool of useful information we can all tap into by listening to each other. A rider who has mastered flying lead changes without a bridle will have valuable insight for a trainer just starting lead changes (like the use of subtle weight and balance and using the rider's chest and focus, etc.) because working without reins has heightened other aids and influences. Some trainers develop elaborate systems to help their students break tasks down into incremental steps to foster clarity and consistency - the most important keys to communication. But no matter what "language" we choose for equine training, we have to use the same language each day, all the time. Confusion is every one's enemy.
