What you release is what you teach

Release to a Thought

Releasing when a horse is thinking about what you are asking encourages that thought to become an action.

Release to a Try 

Releasing the horse when he attempts to do something you want (even if he doesn’t complete it or do it perfectly) or rewarding effort motivates him to continue trying/putting effort in, even if he is nervous or uncomfortable about a new concept. 

Release to a Response 

Releasing to a response teaches the horse what response you are wanting for the cue you are currently applying. 

Release to a Give

Releasing when a horse gives to pressure, yields, or softens discourages stiffness and resistance, instead building softness and willingness.

Release to a Change 

Releasing when a horse changes from:

-Reactive to Thinking

-Nervous to Curious

-Dominant to Respectful

-Confused to Understanding

Rewards the change and encourages the resulting state of mind.

When you see a well trained horse performing at a high level in any discipline, it is a compilation of all of these mini-releases that overtime build a network of communication between horse and rider. Everything starts with a concept and tiny, seemingly insignificant releases at the right time.