The Importance of Consistency with Horses: A Deeper Look
Consistency is a fascinating topic when it comes to horses, and it’s something that came to mind after a conversation I had earlier this afternoon. It’s interesting to realize that what we as humans consider “consistency” might mean something entirely different to our horses.
During the conversation, the person I was speaking with mentioned that he wasn’t doing much with his horses lately because he felt he couldn’t be consistent due to his busy schedule. To him, consistency meant showing up at the same time each day, being in the same place, and doing the same things repetitively. However, this definition of consistency may not be as meaningful to your horse as it is to you.
Horses are not concerned with what time of day you arrive or how often you come. What really matters to them is a different kind of consistency: one that revolves around you working on yourself as their handler and trainer.
Your horse cares about the consistency of your actions—how consistently you ask for behaviors, how consistently you reward, and how consistent you are in your cues. If your actions are erratic, like pulling sharply on your horse because you’re frustrated, or changing how you give cues, your horse will struggle to understand what you want.
For example, if one day you pull harder than usual because you’re frustrated, and the next day you pull gently, that inconsistency sends confusing signals to your horse. Similarly, if your cue to stop is always the same—let’s say, rolling back on your pockets—it should never change. That should be your first and most reliable cue.
And that, in essence, is what true consistency is all about. It’s not just about showing up at a certain time or doing the same thing each day, as we might think. It’s about making sure that your actions, your cues, and your responses remain steady and reliable.
Consistency can be challenging for humans. It’s something many of us struggle with, and that’s okay. However, the more you work at being consistent, the better everything else will become in your relationship with your horse.
Horses have incredible memories and they are highly attuned to their environment. For instance, when a horse steps off a trailer, the first thing it does is scan its surroundings. If it’s at a familiar place, like your usual trail riding spot, it will recognize it right away. On the other hand, if there’s something new in the environment, like a plastic bag fluttering in a bush that wasn’t there last time, the horse will quickly notice and become more alert.
Horses rely on consistency as a survival mechanism. They’re constantly evaluating their surroundings, and when something is out of place, they naturally become more cautious and aware. This doesn’t mean they care about the exact time you arrive, the day of the week, or the frequency of your visits—though more consistent reinforcement is certainly beneficial up to a point. What they truly seek is the reliability of your actions, your cues, and the way you interact with them.
In summary, consistency with horses isn’t just about showing up at the same time or doing the same thing each day—it’s about being predictable in your actions, your expectations, and your responses. This consistency creates trust and understanding, which in turn helps build a stronger bond with your horse.