Episode 234-Pressure: Do you prefer sensitizing or desensitizing?

May 10, 2023

Today I’m answering a question that came in regarding two horses owned by one person. One horse is very responsive to pressure, while the other is more bold and brave…and doesn't respond as much to pressure. The caller shares how this is causing her a challenge.

In my response, I explain:

• the importance of establishing YOUR view of responsive vs reactive
• MY view on responsive (which includes ‘responding’ by not avoiding pressure)
• emotional pressure vs physical pressure
• the idea that people tend to naturally sensitize or desensitize and why
• the potential pros and cons of combining riders who like to sensitize and sensitive horses
• the importance of understanding YOUR view on pressure
• the ‘test’ I used before riding a horse that shows me their understanding of emotional control (expressed through a physical test)