Episode 359: Why Soft Hands Don't Always Create Soft Horses

You may have heard the phrase, "soft hands create soft horses." In this episode, I'm sharing my perspective on this training philosophy and why focusing too much on being "soft" can sometimes create more confusion than confidence in your horse. Tune in as I break down what clear communication really looks like, how to make your signals easier for your horse to understand, and why clarity plays such an important role in building confidence. Key takeaways: The significance of feel in horsemanship How clear signals create soft horses The role of personal development in training The importance of surrounding yourself with growth-minded individuals Strategies for improving your training efficiency Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:29 Mentorship week recap 02:19 The value of feel in training 05:12 Clear signals vs. soft hands 08:09 Teaching to enhance understanding 10:37 The importance of efficiency in training 12:27 The journey of horsemanship 15:44 Understanding your horse's thought processes 20:31 The choice to improve every day To learn more about the training program behind the https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/beyou... podcast, head over to http://philhaugenhorsemanship.com to explore upcoming clinics and training opportunities with Phil Haugen. Want to learn the training methods shared in this episode? Join the Be Your Best Membership to unlock our exclusive library of training videos inspired by your questions, live monthly Q&A sessions with Phil, and extended private coaching opportunities: https://philhaugenhorsemanship.com/be...