When we spend time with our horses, we influence their behavior. We use conscious or unconscious, positive or negative reinforcement and perhaps positive or negative punishment. But what does it mean for the horse if we use one or the other? And how does it affect the horse's internally? That's what I'll talk about in this post and for that I will use some of the research that is about emotions.

I once thought that if I could just build my horses' toplines, through biomechanically correct work, then everything would be perfect. I would get strong horses that along the way would be able to collect more and more in step with their strength and I would end up experiencing complete harmony. Me and my horse, in one with each other. 

Palle and I have made a video with 4 exercises that together form the basis for the horse's training under saddle.

In this video I ride the horses in halter, usually, I have done these exercises with a bridle. Lately, I have started riding the horses a lot in a halter, so we thought it would be obvious to film while I tried to review the exercises. 

A week ago I had such an evening with the horses that afterwards made me think. 

I worked the horses from the ground in a halter. There was nothing unusual about that, but it was extremely windy. It was such weather where the horses in the past had been given a day off - unless there was a show or a clinic ahead. 

Today there are a number of really good coaches and people with a special knowledge who share their experiences on the internet. And you can learn an incredible amount from them if you want to go in depth with things. I therefore thought I would tell you a little about the people I seek inspiration from.

Many horses are NOT interested in the work we do with them. Some horses show a lack of interest in appearing lethargic or lazy, others tense up and become enormously hot.

In both cases, we can experience nervousness, such as the horse looking around, seeing ghosts, or jumping to the side. And many other things than just the ones I mention here can occur. But there is a logical explanation for the horse's lack of interest in the work.