Horse Whispering: How It's Done

Horse whispering and how it’s done has become the top method of horse training of this decade. Marty Stewart drew us the map of horse behavior and the horse community has gobbled it up. Not only is this a more humane method of training, but also a more effective way as well. The lessons learned are recalled for much longer as well.

Items Needed:

• Round pen
• Horse
• Rope

1. Chase horse away. To begin learning how to perform horse whispering, you have to understand the horse better. The horse has a strong flight response to unfamiliar or threatening stimuli. Since you are at least one if not both of these things it is necessary to make him less afraid of you by chasing him away. In the round pen gently toss the rope at the heels of the horse. He will respond by running away from the rope. As you continue to chase him away, he will come to realize that he is not in danger begin to become more curious. Continue this until his is tired of running.
2. Stand with side facing horse. After the he has relaxed a little, he will start watching to see what you are going to do next. By standing with your side to him, you place him in a comfort zone as this is familiar behavior exhibited by the dominant mare in the herd. It is a form of shunning that is very effective for the misbehaving horse. This is where most people think there is “horse whispering” going on. You now have the horse’s total and undivided attention.
3. Walk toward horse. This is the tricky part. If you approach too directly, you will spook the horse and have to start all over. If possible, find a mentor who is skilled in how horse whispering is done. Once you see for yourself what the approach looks like, you’ll never forget it. If your approach is not directl enough you will lose his interest.  You need an approach of about 65 degrees. You can work it out as you work with the horse. Once you see for yourself what the approach looks like, you’ll never forget it.
4. Turn away. Turning your back to the horse tells him that you are a leader and should be followed. Turn away slowly so that you can see if he is going to follow you. Do not get too discouraged if it does not work right away. It will take a few tries before you get the hang of this move.
5. Repeat until horse follows you. Once he starts following you, you can move on to the touching and bonding that will start as soon as the horse begins to turn to you. You will experience a rush like nothing else you have ever experienced before the first time it happens. When that happens you will be the one telling everyone you know how horse whispering is done.

Tips: Start early in the day so that you do not have to interrupt the first session. Take something to drink with you, this is very dry work. Leave off your hat. Hats spook many horses.