Infinite Patience

Raye Lochert invests time to build confidence

When working with horses, patience isn't something you can have for just a little while. It must characterize every interaction between trainer, horse, and rider.

Communicating with horses is all about developing a language between the person and the horse. Not just the language of words, but the language of cues and intent. Horses are exceptional listeners, and their understanding of the language we use is crucial to a successful partnership between human and horse. All it takes to develop this is time.

Communication between trainer and student is also key to helping horse and rider learn to understand each other. For this reason, Raye Lochert emphasizes owner education in his training program at Critter Creek Ranch in Northern California.

Understanding the Language
Before a horse moves into action, there is a slight subtle motion, a shift at the thought of moving, as the horse's body prepares. Learning to release on that signal is one way riders learn to build communication with their horses.

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