Horses "Know When You Know & Know When You Don't"

[@tokyoblu79]

So accurate. The other side of this principle explains why working with horses can be so therapeutic: you have to be present for the partnership to work. Traumatised people often don’t know how to do this, as disassociation is a protective defence mechanism. Practicing mindfulness with animals under the guidance of an experienced trainer is a safe way to learn how to be present. That aside; what a beautiful example of horsemanship.

[@WarwickSchiller]

Thank you

[@merlelavie]

Absolutely, I just started engaging with a horse again this year (had a break of about 7 years) and looking back now I realize how many times I was in complete fight/flight/freeze response around the horses back then. Also, I was always told "you HAVE to be the boss, otherwise horses are dangerous!" so I tried "being the boss", but of course every horse knew that I didn't know from miles away. Had horses just abandon me left and right, got into some dangerous situations. These days I don't ask ANYTHING from the horse I "work" with if I'm dysregulated. If it's that bad I just feed him and say thank you, see you again next time. But I don't get dysregulated that much anymore :) also I've come to understand how thoughtful horses are, so I'm no longer running around with extreme anxiety "He knows I'm not the boss he will run me over omg!!!" I know that if I'm careful and mindful he will NOT run me over, why would he. It's so freeing to notice that u don't know and just let it be, go home, think about it and do better next time - instead of feeling completely doomed because you are a weak leader and the horse will kill you now. The horse I have at the moment is a mixed breed with draft horse so if he wanted to hurt me he really could^^ I find that I actually RE-regulate now because I'm in the moment just watching what he does and asking a lot more yes questions. Next I want to work on his threshold for trail riding with me alone :)

[@PatriseHenkel]

You reminded me of an experience I had years ago- I joined an outdoor tai chi group on campus. The leader, an older Chinese man, didn’t talk, he just did the form and we followed. Anxious because I was uncertain & inexperienced, I wanted someone to explain it to me. Another student encouraged me to hang in there, just follow as best I could. After a few days I felt as if I were moving in a web of energy generated by the entire group! I could relax my self criticism and feel the presence of all of us as a support.

[@klarakozakova907]

Love this, works with dogs and kids too. Letting them know we are aware of them. Thanks for putting it into words Warwick!

[@callysto_ii]

That is so true... I remember with my old mare, she was reputed as "uncontrolable", she'd take off "without warning" and refuse to walk in certain paths ect. She rarely did it with me, but I kept noticing the only time she ever tried to veer off course, or take off, or stop etc., was when I stopped giving her my full attention, even for just a second, she'd know I wasn't present and she'd take advantage of it. And I'll never thank her enough for teaching me that, teaching me to pay attention to every single shift of her ears, her eyes, the position of her head, I could even feel it in her back when I rode her, it was so incredibly minute but the second my mind got caught up on something else she'd react, she'd ask me "are you here ?" and if I didn't reply, she'd start testing how much trouble she could get away with. It was subtle but once I finally caught on to her game it became so incredibly obvious and easy to reply, she'd feel it in the way my body shifted back toward her, even if I was looking at something else she was so keyed in to my every move, and she brought me to have the same level of attention with her, riding her was pure joy... In the end after a year or so, people would think I was insane cuz I kept telling them that she would tell me when she'd see a biker, or another horse, or a deer in the forest that I couldn't see, or that I hadn't spotted, and she trusted me to react accordingly, and I trusted her with everything, man I loved that little mare

[@Nimeariel]

Exactly! I know a mare that is almost the same way. I have called it "being bored" in the past, but starting to think it's more like "hey tell me what's going on!" after seeing this video. If you stop riding her and maintaining your course with her every step of the way, she "makes up her own moves" which can include speeding up, flipping and tossing her head at the poll and sometimes neck (kind of like laughing or like when someone tosses their hair out of their face), prancing, and other manner of "misbehavior". I always tell my students to be aware and "give her something to do" if she starts "acting up". It helps them to be more aware of what they're doing and not just "mindlessly" riding a horse. I tell them to just do anything with her- give her a task, take her mind off of what she's doing. And in a way, it's a way to answer her question of "hey, you still up there?"

[@redybeau]

Callysto thank you for this.... I know it, but your detail etched it more strongly in my mind!

[@bernadettecartin]

Callysto Like an old timer I knew would say, "You gotta ride them every minute."

[@kaitlyna4321]

Thank you so much for sharing your perspectives on equine behavior. These videos have helped me immensely in understanding and enjoying my time with horses.

[@jinsung789]

Hey Warwick! I love the way you do things and how humble you are about learning new things and being a better person for your horse. I have a mare right now that has really benefited from me learning from your videos lol. I’m starting to realize that horses are truly way more aware and spiritual than most people realize.

[@stephaniewinter5123]

Jin Sung I so agree with what you say

[@stevesayer4045]

Its true a horse know more about you than you know about your self they know when you fear them and when don.t fear them If you don.t fear them training becomes so easy to train them Great Video mate

[@vix3075]

I’ve been working with an Arab stallion who has always been “liked the least” on my yard...he’s nick name is stupid black horse....basically all I’ve been doing with him is be present, I’m not telling him not to do this or that I’m not reprimanding (like everyone else does) I just simply go into he’s stable and hang out with him for how ever long it takes for him to quietly engage with me (usually he’s very aggressive)...in just the few short weeks I’ve worked here at this new yard the other staff are amazed at how he doesn’t constantly try to bite me or be “rude” around me....and i simply tell them it’s because I chose to get to know him on he’s level! I often find with stallions at a Stud that they are extremely misunderstood and the only interaction they get is is to be taken from a stable to a paddock and back again...other than occasionally covering mares it’s a life of isolation for them. So to me I understand their anger is mainly from loneness and lack of interaction...it’s like people easily forget they are herd animals, they are not meant to live a life of solitude.

[@redybeau]

Vix 30 lucky boy to have you💜

[@wirepuppy]

Hey Warwick, I just listened to both parts of your interview on Let Freedom Rein Podcast and I was very pleased with how your horsemanship has developed and changed. I’m one of these “crazy cat lady“ horse people using positive reinforcement, being present, and all the type of stuff you talked about. Awesome. I hope a lot of people listen! 🙌🏻

[@finleyscotland]

Every word is true. Be here now, with me, and I am.

[@laus7504]

I loved this video because of the overall concept. You went on to explain what you meant and how well it worked with this particular horse. Anyone can work on this. Even if you know nothing about horses and finally get one. Seems especially young adolescents would really take this to heart and work on this with their own horse. Or even a dog or cat...just they're not prey herd animals. But spending time with their pets is how to learn about them.

[@apwrg4350]

Hi Warwick, I love the message you are sending out in this video. I too, love how humble you are about learning new things and being a better mentor/teacher to the horses. I am so very proud of how these changes have changed you and enlightened you for the better. I have watched and learned from you for years. I love watching you learn and thank you for sharing these ideas with us. I think you are truly amazing and look forward to your future videos. Thank you again. Have a Happy Day!

[@ellieelizabeth5627]

That is a powerful message, and I must admit, that I forget it sometimes. And when I'm not FULLY aware of my horse that's when little problems start to snowball into big problems. I love your beautiful horse, I'm sorry I didn't catch his name, but he looked so relaxed and peaceful. 😀

[@Pferdecoach]

this headline is pointing truly ....great video with great words !! ......I am from dressage riding but this man is great ......to approach a horse is same , a horse is a horse , no matter dressage riding ,western or jumping

[@bearholloway7504]

This is 100% true. As a teen I remember struggling to ride my horse when I was younger. Since I hadn’t been taught to ride very well, I was struggling to communicate with my horse because although he is very well trained, he senses when a beginner is riding and takes advantage.

[@GMATTOEFLSATGRECOACH]

It makes sense! Thank you!

[@stephaniewinter5123]

That’s lovely Warwick, thank you...

[@timeenuf4200]

So true and I think sometimes horses become unsettled, nervous, frustrated, etc. just because we aren't attempting to be more aware. Not so sure we can ever be as aware as a horse is. Thanks again for the great thoughts Warwick.

[@-Doreen]

This is so true. I lost my mare who was the world to me, we just had an amazing connection. After she passed I got a new mare, we nowhere as close as I was with my other horse. I always feel horrible because I believe she can feel that I want to be present but am sheltering myself because I’m to scared of getting attached again.

[@louisecassidy5991]

Doreen Gonzalez .....Be absolutely present with the current horse. You will almost always outlive your horses, that is the pain of it, but every subsequent horse teaches you more, and so they get better and better for you as life goes on. You may ride some, once or for years, that you never actually own, and suddenly boom, it is gone. Stay in the moment, getting too emotional will hold you back. I wish you all the best, it is hard, all mine are gone now,

[@michellew.2876]

Absolutely they know when you know and definitely know when you don't! Thanks for the video!

[@perfectpartnersequine5698]

Hey Warwick! Love you videos and this topic is one we discuss often. A huge part of being a horseman is not just looking at your horse but actually seeing them. Everything means something to a horse and so many people overlook that part in their program. Great message!

[@mr.miaumiau2892]

Pure wisdom Sir , that is what I like of your videos , I ALWAYS learn something , I mean it ,....Usted es un CHINGÓN amigo , con todo respeto....GRACIAS

[@irenecoermann2439]

Your insight is very much appreciated!

[@judy8117]

BEAUTIFUL,palomeno,your great,nice to see the RANCHING still is ALIVE!♥️🐾♥️🐾♥️🐾♥️🐾

[@jadeblues357]

Beautiful horse great video

[@jakehartman2064]

thanks so much.

[@TheKapias]

Beautiful thank you for sharing your love buddy!

[@gabrielacantisani4546]

Great! Thanks for sharing your experience, that's comforting to know wise advices from man like you.

[@TaiMizuki]

Good way of putting it, I couldn't agree more.

[@hoofhearted3035]

Some people have said that when a person is walking a horse on a lead rope and the horse stops to get a bite of grass, that this is a sign of disrespect toward the person. But, there may be another way to look at it. The horse feels that the person is "present", therefore, the horse feels safe to put his head down to eat. As long as the horse responds to the cue to pick up his head because it's time to move on, it should be ok. Any thoughts, Warwick?

[@mitzibud6908]

Love, love, love!!

[@louisecassidy5991]

Oh so right, Warwick. Fixed our mouthy filly. I have always been totally present and had few issues with any young horse, but we all learn something new when we share and discuss horses and our experiences. I relish all your videos as they come up, everything is relevant to someone. No more "horse as taxi" and the one thing money can't buy is horse-sense. Oh sure, people can pay for knowledge, lessons, videos, online courses, but real horse sense goes deeper. In the old days methods were very different, horses succumbed to the work and got used to it, they had to, it was horse-power or your own two feet, no other options. Horses had to travel huge distances. Someone asked me recently how I was getting along with a certain mare with issues but no dirty tricks. "Fine, she's easy to read." A show horse gone to stock work because of a blemish (I found, the boss hadn't even seen it, could not have ever brushed her legs) and arena-bound, very insecure without a fence around her. Superb but very troubled.

[@leealexander3507]

This is the first time I've heard of anyone else having a fence bound horse. I also had one but I took my time with him and we got it worked out. How is it going with your mare? I'd love to hear how you have addressed this issue. I just worked gradually and made sure there was at least one resource he values outside the range of the fences. I might place a treat of alfalfa pellets along the way and give him the opportunity to meet another unfamiliar horse or two, preferably mares, at the furthest distance we would try for that day, as an example. Now he really looks forward to going exploring. I don't know if something like that would help you but it worked well for me. What is your method?

[@louisecassidy5991]

Lee Alexander .....It is a bit of an issue as I do not own the horse. I am aged and had not properly ridden for 15 years, but I was an expert in my day. I am a caretaker tenant on an old family farm in Australia. The mare belongs to the boss lady, who is a control freak and all hands, no balance. She bred her old mare, which had come to terms with her as a youngster, and had to purchase to keep going for cattle work, intermittent. I saw issues I knew I could solve and she finally allowed me to work her. Supposedly a quarter horse, but no papers, trained in western pleasure as a show horse. I can't feel the western pleasure, but she is educated and can be superb. I freely use the term "arena bound" as many horses these days never go out and about. This mare does not know how to properly negotiate gullies, creeks, rocks, hills, or get about without her mates nearby. She was literally screaming for help. I rode her regularly for a few months, she settled with me, but the boss still needs her for cattle work, about which the mare knows nothing. Me, I never had a barn, stable, round yard or arena in my life, but recognise that many horses are afraid of the world outside their immediate environment. She is not afraid of traffic. The first time she threw her head up and rushed I let her head go and she stopped. "What? No fight?" I hacked her about the round bales on the oat stubble, a big place but a fence around, articles to negotiate, she seemed quite happy. All I can say is be patient. Give the horse time to make its own evaluation. I was going up the road and a neighbour had just parked a huge bright blue water tank trailer about 50 metres in off the fence, mare would not go by. I was there cajoling for almost half an hour, as I refuse to fight, fighting is futile, and no-one will ever convince me they can't see colour. This mare has issues with her owner/rider that she gives up with me, she knows I know. She knows the boss does not know. Unfortunately the boss does not know that she does not know. I found a decent scar around the back of a tendon on a front cannon, must have broken the owner's heart, she was sold, perhaps twice. Anyway, if they baulk and stick up, keep them facing and don't allow turn-tail. One step forward is a win. Let the horse stand and evaluate before you ask for another step forward. I think it is ok to dismount and lead past the problem, re-mount and continue, but I can't do that as I'm short, can't mount like I used to, my stool is back where I first got on. Really long steady rides are the solution, bring them home not hot or blown but pleasantly weary, never give a day off until you are happy with the horse. Find someone steady to go with you, to give a lead when you need it, show the way. Horses don't get the miles they got in the old days, and then people wonder why their horses play up. Natural horsemanship is all very fine, in theory, but how are you gonna convince a horse he wants to do it? Be fair. Be balanced, light handed, free rein, forward thinking, make sure nothing hurts (bit, saddle, girth, bridle, ears, flies, feet) and just keep going. Lots and lots of trotting along, canter where you can, and walk every step of the way home. When everything is in its right and proper place, you become "as one" with him. Atonement. At-one-ment. One mind, a working team. Magic.

[@je9337]

Plus, he now trusts you, he feels safe, familiarity helps all of us! Start a new job... scary til you feel safe and aware of what is expected of you. Same with trainable animals.

[@39lingen]

Hello Warwick This Topic of being present just crossed my way a couple days ago in the Form of of James French and his "Trust Technique". I am pretty much sure you would love to see what he is doing. Maybe you want to check his Website or YT Videos. I find it amazing. Thank you for all your Knowledge you share - it can help a lot of us to become better humans for our Horses. Greeting from Switzeland

[@WarwickSchiller]

Thanks, Ive been aware of James and the Trust Technique for several years now.

[@sarabovenzi378]

It baffles me how so many horse owners don't understand that a horse is reading your energy signature.and whats more is you should be translating their energy signature (although I appreciate in this dumbed down world that sounds a pretty alien concept to most). Fundamentally any relationship with any animal (and human) is primarily a relationship energy based / felt sense which supersedes behaviour and action...they know when you know and when you don't because we all convey our truth through our electromagnetic field. Saying that I do like your energy and although you may be still only working with 5 sense data - your emf registers deep active calm, coherent heart based intent and confidence.

[@thewhitemare]

This is amazing!!👍💗

[@eduardoromo7883]

Karli • EQ Equine Therapy You are beautiful !!!!!

[@joewwilliams]

"I did a meme." 😂

[@leighb4639]

Yes!

[@boodhs8520]

man, you should do a podcast!

[@bobtimmermans7714]

The horse know when you don’t know and know when you do.... Ray Hunt...nice word from a great horseman! Many tried to explain and many give a bit of a mechanical explanation they don’t even know to the bottom or to explain in understanding language! But what was he talking about? What was he really talking about!?

[@bobtimmermans7714]

Win some free lessons in horsemanship to learn how to get a real connection on a few seconds for the one who can give the right answer what those great horseman really means when they said “The horse know when you don’t know and know when you know”...

[@lanaswanson1743]

A new thought for me, I do have to agree, seen this with my wild child.🍒

[@zollyzelem463]

super, liked your short video. I wish that I knew this when working with my mare MISTY who was my big first horse LOVE . thx GOD Bless Zolly .

[@katchastar5679]

Oh gosh so true 😊

[@ratherbwithhorses]

Engagement with humans is so important to our horses. And I believe some of us humans have a horse gene that they recognize.

[@Janetplanet62]

He is so relaxed, good time to clean is sheath! Lol

[@bethetravers]

I have to do that. Tried once and he got mad. I have just been working with him for 2 months. We have a ways to go.

[@Janetplanet62]

@@bethetravers I understand I used to rub my sister's gelding tummy! He was so relax, I was the lucky one to clean his sheath!

[@GypsyPaz]

Lol, that was way more than I wanted to know

[@leealexander3507]

It's very important to always be aware and in the moment with my stallion. He makes a decision then acts on it in a split second and you need to know what he's up to and why. It's also important to be observant of the surroundings although he's hyperallert to the slightest movement in his environment himself. He can't relax and just enjoy himself unless I have his back when he's out in the open rather than the security of his paddock. We are in the middle of an intense heatwave so yesterday afternoon I let him off his lead rope to graze under a big tree while I sat with him in a lawn chair. It's something I often enjoy doing with him. It give me pleasure to see him so contented and relaxed. I don't think I would turn the stallion loose on a breeding farm if had a different breed. The loyalty of the arabian is legendary, and with good reason.

[@heavyhaul8621]

It’s amazing how horses are jealous of other horses when your not giving the attention to them as one.

[@rebekahwincott1924]

My favorite training and breaking words are if they never know No They never know No !!!!!

[@kristyzahn5661]

Hey Warwick. My horse is tripping a lot. I’m so scared about falling on him. I feel like he senses that and just the other day he tripped and could hardly get his footing and I’m sure I was freaked then he was freaked and started bucking until I was bucked off. How do I help the tripping to not happen and me not to be scared of it? Thank u. U rock btw!!!

[@hoofhearted3035]

Kristy Zahn - First, check saddle fit to insure that his shoulders are free to move through the full range of motion.

[@redybeau]

Kristy Zahn have you looked at videos to teach him working from behind (off the forehand)? Lots of ground work and topline-building exercises will help.

[@vjm3]

He got a little excited there.

[@peggylyons9885]

True.

[@charlestravis9798]

I had a quarter horse that had a unique sense of humor. Venus hated my ex. Venus liked to step on the ex’s feet. Venus could cut calves from cows and herd other horses from fields to the barn. She was very smart. She only bit other new horses that were introduced to the field in the pecking-order fashion.

[@gerrymcferret]

Just watched this and as I went to click 'like' I noticed there are 4 'dislikes' - what is that all about? What is not to like?

[@zebradun7407]

PETA and animal lovers who think having horses is bad.

[@ratherbwithhorses]

PeTAfiles

[@debbiekruizinga6515]

I think that being present alao counts with humans, if you feel that someone is continuesly not present you can feel very unsafe with this person if it's someone close, and if this person turns around and says I'm present it makes you feel confortable. At least in my opninion

[@highfive6095]

What is the duct tape on his hooves for?

[@KM-bn7dg]

HIGH FIVE hes probably got a small crack or split. he probably smeared a salve on there and just covered it with duct tape. i suppose a medical boot would serve the same purpose but maybe the horse is finnicky and doesnt like the boot.

[@highfive6095]

@@KM-bn7dg Is it common for splits to happen on more than one foot at a time? Both fronts are taped.

[@KM-bn7dg]

oh thats weird my eyes are bad i only noticed the one hoof. i honestly have NO clue then you ask a fair question lol :’)

[@highfive6095]

@@KM-bn7dg You may still be right. :) Maybe he's susceptible to cracks.

[@kenhawk8473]

A modern-day horse whisper

[@comesahorseman]

👍👍

[@harrymills2770]

Funny how the owners/trainers always have their narrative, and how often it has little or nothing to do with what the horse is thinking and everything to do with projection of their own feelings/attitudes onto the animal. Very similar to Cesar, the dog whisperer. I never graduated beyond cats. Dogs I don't have the time or patience to do them justice, nor horses. But I can appreciate their natures, even as I know I can't really do 'em justice.

[@susanflowers7969]

I liked what you had to say. But I was so distracted by that braided whip tail! I don’t understand why People do that to their horses.

[@lidywalker6922]

Warwick you mean no iPhone?! :) :) LOL The same goes for dogs, cats and other animals...

[@hilarystewart366]

Like children. They know when you're present and when your not...

[@commercialbreak8290]

He’s falling in love with you @2.17 !!! Make sure your belt is well locked...

[@TheNecromancer6666]

I only started working with horses a gew month ago, thanks to my new girlfriend. One of the first things I learned was that horses are fuuucking perceptive.

[@LynnCummings]

Curious about this boys front feet??

[@WarwickSchiller]

Are you asking me am I curious about them ?

[@WarwickSchiller]

Oh , I see. YOU are wondering about what's on his front feet. it's duct tape. We tape their front feet when stopping them, it prevents them pulling front shoes.

[@LynnCummings]

Thank you for responding to my question. I love your theory of connecting with the horse being as crucial (or more so) as the concept of training. I've been watching you for a few years now and I must say... you are definitely at the top of my admiration list. Awe heck, that's kind of a lie. You are the whole list! While there generally is a bit of value to be found in other trainers videos, yours are the only videos I have found interesting and helpful information throughout the entirety of. Your the Best! That you are always learning and searching for better answers prooves it! I can only hope to be able to attend one of your clinics...someday 🙂

[@WarwickSchiller]

@@LynnCummings Thanks Lynn

[@ABoyd1852]

Somebody is showing off for the camera. lol

[@dustygadsby522]

LOL, That horse...The poor bastard got about 3cc's of ACT RIGHT before this video

[@stephanieschermi8715]

There is no such thing as jealousy in horses. There is attention seeking as in comfort.

[@shadowpancakes7532]

titan master race

[@JaneFrizzell]

When horses nip at you, they are being rude. Biting is a vice. Someone wasn't present when they horse should've been taught normal manners.

[@nlee4724]

Like s toddler

[@tinoyb9294]

Ten year old girl time.

[@destinationaddictionsamsar7894]

what are you even talking about?😂 yes horses don't use verbal communication while they're together and while they're with you they don't use verbal communication they use body language and stress indicators it's only the humans that might use vocal communication as cues but random words they don't use as cues the horse doesn't understand. I think it's the other way around I truly hope you don't have horses with the way you're defending the abuse that's happening to this horse justifying it as the horse being disrespectful. But horses are very rarely disrespectful if you don't believe me change the way you look at things threw the horses eye a prey animal that has anxiety attacks. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGOkna2BoMpmaK8