April 25, 2025: Bonus Buzz - Let’s Talk Horse Talk—How We Communicate in the Saddle

Ever wonder how we actually “talk” to our horses? It’s not with words alone (though trust me, Bee hears plenty of those)—it’s a full-body conversation built on pressure, patience, and practice.

🐎 The Language of Reins, Legs & Voice

When we ride, every movement matters. We guide our horses through a combination of:

• Reins – Used to steer, slow down, and signal changes. Direct rein = pulling one side. Neck rein = laying the rein across the neck for more subtle, one-handed cues (common in Western).

• Legs – Where you apply pressure tells the horse which part of their body to move.

• Pressure near the shoulder? Move the front end.

• Behind the girth? You’re asking the back end to shift.

• Both legs together? Forward, please!

• Voice – Horses can learn to respond to words like “whoa,” “walk,” or even a soft cluck. Tone and consistency are key.

🫧 Why Boots Have Spurs
Spurs aren’t about being harsh—they’re about refining cues. A trained rider uses them gently to offer clearer leg communication, especially when subtlety counts.

🪶 Bits Matter Too
Different types of bits send different signals. Some offer soft pressure, others more leverage. Finding the right one depends on your horse’s training, temperament, and needs. Bee’s still learning what works best for her—and we’re listening.

🐝 Bee’s Talk Track?
Bee’s the seasoned pro in this partnership—her rider? Still learning the ropes. As a former barrel horse, she knows her way around the arena and responds to both direct rein and neck reining like a champ. The challenge? She’s been testing my “greenness” every chance she gets. 😅

We’re working on clear, consistent communication through my body cues, and I’m learning that every shift in weight, nudge with a leg, or flick of a rein says something to her. She’s listening—I just have to learn to speak her language better.

And let me tell you—Bee knows "whoa" like it’s her favorite word. Accidentally say it too early and you might find yourself flying over the saddle like a loose hat in a windstorm. She's quick, she's sharp, and she’s got no time for mixed messages.

✨ Bottom line?
Good communication is the foundation of trust. The better we learn to “speak horse,” the better our rides—and relationships—become.

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