09/07/2026
When our horses are seeking scent, we direct them on a grid search pattern. Once they have detected scent and are now sourcing it, we put our hands down firmly on their withers. This clear signal tells them THEY are the ones driving now, and that WE are listening, paying attention, and trusting them to know what they are doing. We are not fiddling with the reins, we are following their body with our body. We are trusting them to get us there.
Sure, sometimes they get excited and go a little fast, or there's a tree in the way, so we have to pick up the reins. But the hand goes right back down again unless/until they lose the scent and we have to put them back on the grid to seek it again.
Many, if not most, riders have a very difficult time truly giving up control, especially if they are accustomed to "riding every step". And some horses are far more comfortable letting the rider be the leader because they lack confidence in themselves. But it’s SUCH a great way to build a deep bond of trust, while helping your horse discover their own inner confidence.
**Once the horse KNOWS that the rider knows that the horse knows what he's/she's doing, and that the rider is REALLY listening and trusting, they've moved to a new level as a team.**
The more clearly it is signaled to the horse, the faster this transition happens.
As Terry Nowacki always says, the hardest things are to "stop fiddling" and "trust the horse".
