Direct vs Indirect Pressure
When we train our horses, we apply either direct or indirect pressure, most often a combination of both. So what are direct and indirect pressures?
Direct Pressure
Direct pressure is when we physically push against our horse with our hand, foot, spur, or whip. The desired trait is for the horse to yield or move away from or give into the direct pressure.
A very important factor to remember about direct pressure is that we need to teach the horse the opposite of how it’s naturally wired. A foal naturally knows to push into pressure, from nudging the mare to find milk and comfort to pushing against predators to escape and regain balance.
As humans we want to teach them to yield or give to pressure. Especially when working with foals we need to be very careful not to apply too much pressure all at once or this will cause them to become over-stimulated and panic.
The best reward you can give your horse is to leave them alone when they do something right. When I go to pick up on my horse, as soon as I feel the slightest try, I will release all that pressure, immediately. Then I let my horse sit there and digest the information for several seconds before moving on. This is where you may notice licking and chewing, lowering of the head, or a deep breath.
If the horse doesn’t respond correctly, I will calmly continue to hold the same amount of pressure and patiently wait for them to try again. Once a horse realizes that they won’t be harshly punished for guessing incorrectly, and will be rewarded with a breather before moving on, they start to look for how they can please you next.
Indirect Pressure
Indirect pressure is when we apply pressure but never actually physically touch the horse.
With indirect pressure, we use space, energy, body language, and intent. This all leverages the horse’s natural sensitivity level and awareness as a pray animal.
Horses have been evolving as prey animals for over 55 million years. This has given them the ability to become finely attuned to the slightest change in their surroundings for survival.
So often I see rider’s getting frustrated at why their horses are behaving in a particular way when 90% of the time the rider is unknowingly giving them signals that are causing the horse to become confused or reactive.
Here are 4 tips to clean up your indirect cues
Consistency - Start every cue the same way, every time. Strive to make sure all the details match. The more you practice consistency, the stronger your muscle memory will play to your favor in times where it’s a react first, think later.
Neutral - Always go to a neutral position with your body and energy when you aren’t actively asking your horse to perform something. This will eliminate the horse second guessing if you really mean for them to pay attention to that whip flopping around or not when you’re looking off in the other direction.
Visualize - If you’re still new to learning a particular maneuver, take a minute to visualize step by step what you want to do and how you expect your horse to respond to build your confidence up that you are capable of not rushing and remaining in control of clear cues.
Use Direct Pressure - If you’ve tried giving your horse a clear signal with indirect pressure and have given ample time for them to process it and it’s not yielding the desired results, add direct pressure to help give a stronger, clearer signal. As soon as the horse responds correctly, release like a hot potato. Then the next time you ask again for the same thing, allow the horse to attempt it via indirect pressure before adding direct pressure back on. Eventually, they will be able to clearly read your intent and will no longer require additional direct pressure.
Regardless if you’re using direct pressure or indirect pressure, always make sure that you start out light and gradually increase only until the horse gives the desired response. Then drop the pressure immediately. When you’re ready to start again, start at the lightlest level.
Remember- soft hands do not make for soft horses. Clear communication makes for soft horses.
