When riding dressage, giving verbal commands to horses is grounds for points deducted from the score. In other equestrian disciplines, however, using the voice is acceptable both in horse training and in competition. Regardless of the sport or goal, using verbal commands is an excellent way to establish a connection with the horse because it promotes communication.
Types of Verbal Commands
There are two primary ways to use the voice in horse training. The first is with actual words, such as "whoa", "stand", "back" and the names of all the gaits. The second method for giving verbal commands to horses is to make noises with the mouth, teeth and tongue. These sounds can become even more meaningful to horses than the actual words.
For example, saddleseat riders often make a loud kissing sound with their lips to signal that the horse is supposed to canter. A clucking noise with the tongue might be used in conjunction with a trot command. Reining, western pleasure and cutting horse riders are famous for using a shhh sound to tell a horse to back up.
Using Verbal Commands
As with any horse training technique, it is best to use verbal commands from the very beginning. In fact, when trainers start using the voice on the ground before a horse is even ridden, those commands can facilitate a more seamless transition from lunging to riding.
For example, let's say that a horse trainer uses a clucking noise to ask for the trot. Once he gets on the horse's back, he can apply leg pressure simultaneously with the clucking noise, and the horse will automatically associate the pressure with an upward transition to the trot.
This isn't a complicated horse training technique, but it won't be effective unless the trainer exercises consistency. The exact same verbal command must be used every time the horse is asked to halt, walk, trot, canter, lope, back or perform any other movement. Without consistency, using the voice will simply generate confusion.
Verbal Commands on the Ground
A horse trainer doesn't have to use his voice only in the saddle; in fact, he might prefer to use verbal commands only on the ground. When walking a horse from the paddock to his stall, or when grazing him in the yard, a rider doesn't have the benefit of his body against the horse to communicate. In this case, verbal commands are more practical.
"Stand" is one of the most popular voice commands used on the ground. If a horse is dancing around in the wash stall or trying to move when the rider wants to mount, saying "stand!" in a loud, clear voice indicates that the horse is making a mistake. Used often and in conjunction with a tug on the lead rope, the horse will understand his handler's meaning.
Some horse training experts caution against the use of verbal commands, but this is a decision that every rider must make for himself. It is important, however, for a rider to use his voice as a tool and an aid rather than a crutch; don't get lazy with non-verbal commands just because the voice is available.
 |
