When it comes to discussing feel, the two topics most discussed seem to be focused on (i) how much pressure to use, and (ii) when to apply or release the pressure. But there is one aspect of feel, one aspect of feel that is rarely talked about in any detail. I want you to consider the abruptness with which we apply or release pressure.
Learning and Un-Learning
Feel Goes Two Ways
How Do Horses Choose Friends?
Horses Are Literalist
Two Ways to Achieve Focus
In my book, The Essence of Good Horsemanship the first major section discusses the importance of a horse’s focus and how to achieve it and maintain it. That’s because focus is perhaps the most important requirement even before the teaching can begin. If a horse is not paying attention, we trainers are doing little more than talking to ourselves.