Light vs. Soft
“Light” and “Soft” are two commonly used phrases that we often hear regarding horsemanship and training - these terms usually refer to how a horse feels and responds with his head/neck, mouth, or body to pressure (bit, leg, etc.) from the rider.
Here are some examples:
“The horse should feel LIGHT in your hands.”
“Release when your horse SOFTENS.”
“Your horse should respond and SOFTEN to a LIGHT feel.”
Sound familiar? If you have ever felt confused by this terminology, this article is for you!
While we often associate them together, “light” and “soft” do NOT mean the same thing. I have ridden many horses that were “light” but not “soft”. The difference is where the horse is at psychologically.
A horse can respond and be “light”, but still not be engaged mentally. He may physically give to the pressure, and technically do what is being asked of him, but not be mentally committed to the task at hand or be resistant and nervous between the ears.
In contrast, when a horse is being “soft” or “softens” to pressure, it means he is giving not just physically, BUT ALSO PSYCHOLOGICALLY.
Here are some examples:
A distracted horse “softens” by focusing on the task at hand and the rider instead of the distraction.
An irritable, resistant horse with a negative attitude “softens” when he lets the tension and resistance leave his mind, and puts in a true effort.
A nervous/fearful horse “softens” when he relaxes and thinks instead of reacting to the situation.
A hot, forward, pedal-to-the-metal horse “softens” when he slows down mentally and waits for direction from the rider instead of always being on the muscle.
Recognizing and rewarding when your horse applies himself psychologically is the key to building a physically and mentally “soft” horse. When the horse is “soft” physically and mentally, “lightness”will automatically follow because mental resistance has been removed from the equation.
Your Starting Point Usually Never Looks Like the Finished Result
When you first start teaching your horse something new, it very rarely looks anything like the finished maneuver.
And that’s ok - it’s a normal part of training!
Most advanced maneuvers are just refined basics - and the “refining” part takes time. You teach the concept, and then build on it each day, kind of like putting coins in a piggy bank, little by little. Eventually after weeks or months, you have a finished maneuver!
So...
When your horse’s first awkward step sideways doesn’t look anything like the side pass of your dreams, don’t be discouraged.
When your horse is stumbling and bumbling around in the first few days of learning how to do a turnaround, don’t assume he is untalented.
When a green horse backs up like a reluctant mule, dragging his feet with his mouth gaped wide open, don’t delude yourself into thinking that you are going to fix it all in one session.
Teach the concept.
Refine as the horse understands.
Challenge him as he improves.