Building Trust with Your Horse: The Key to Success in the Arena

Showjumping may seem like a sport centered on skill, speed, and precision—and it is. But there’s another essential element that often goes unnoticed: trust. The bond between a rider and their horse is the foundation for success in the ring. Without trust, even the most skilled rider will struggle to get the best performance from their horse. Today, I want to share my thoughts on building trust with your horse and how it plays a critical role in both training and competition.

Why Trust is the Foundation of a Strong Partnership
Every rider knows that horses are incredibly sensitive creatures. They pick up on the smallest shifts in our energy, mood, and body language. This sensitivity is a powerful asset when there’s trust between horse and rider, but without it, that sensitivity can turn into anxiety or resistance.

In my experience, when a horse trusts you, they’re willing to give you everything they have. Trust allows the horse to feel confident in what you’re asking them to do, especially in high- pressure environments like competitions.

Personal Experiences:
Moments of Trust I’ve been fortunate to work with many incredible horses throughout my career. One thing that stands out in every successful partnership is the moment where I can sense that the horse fully trusts me. There’s a special feeling when you and your horse are in sync, and they respond to the smallest cue without hesitation.

It often happens that when you enter a new environment with a horse, they can be quite nervous going into the ring. Rather than rushing through warm-up or trying to push them into it, taking the time to reassure them will settle them in and assure you a better end result. I recall one time doing this on a particularly nervous horse of mine at a show, and by the time we entered the ring, we were a team. We ended up going clear in the jump-off, and I firmly believe it was because of the trust we built over time.

Practical Tips for Building Trust
Building trust doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, patience, and consistency. Here are a few practical ways I’ve built trust with my horses:

• Consistency in Training: Horses thrive on routine and predictability. By maintaining a consistent training schedule, I’m able to build their confidence.
• Positive Reinforcement: Reward your horse for doing well—whether that’s with treats, praise, or simply allowing them a moment of rest. This helps reinforce positive behaviors and builds trust.
• Patience with New Challenges:
  When introducing new exercises or environments, take the time to let your horse adjust. Don’t rush the process.

Trust is an essential, often overlooked, part of the rider-horse relationship. Whether you’re training at home or competing at the highest level, building trust with your horse will improve your performance and deepen your bond. Take the time to invest in this partnership, and you’ll see the rewards both in and out of the ring.