Before we can help, we must learn to see. This article explores the practice of quiet observation and what it reveals about equine wellbeing.
The Rush to Fix
Most of us come to horses with good intentions and a desire to help. But this desire can become a problem when it leads us to act before we truly understand what's happening. We see a behavior we don't like and immediately try to change it. We notice tension and immediately try to release it.
This approach often addresses symptoms rather than causes. Worse, it can create new problems by adding pressure to a system that's already stressed.
The Practice of Watching
Observation is a skill that must be developed. It requires us to slow down, to resist the urge to intervene, and to simply notice what is happening. This is harder than it sounds.
Start by watching your horse in the field, when they don't know you're there. How do they move? How do they interact with other horses? Where do they carry tension? What makes them alert, and what helps them relax?
What to Look For
Pay attention to the whole horse, not just the part that concerns you. Notice the eyes, the ears, the jaw, the tail. Notice how weight shifts between limbs. Notice breathing patterns. Notice what changes when you approach.
Over time, you'll develop a baseline understanding of your individual horse. This baseline makes it possible to notice subtle changes — the early signs of discomfort or stress that are easy to miss if you're not paying attention.
Observation as Relationship
There's another benefit to this practice: it changes how the horse experiences you. A human who watches quietly, without demanding anything, is a human who feels safe. This builds trust in ways that active training cannot.