Using Music to Train Your Horse
Aug 11th, 2009 by Carolyn Resnick Method
Horses and music have always been a part of my life but never did I think that music would bind us together and be what we would have in common. Nor did I believe that music would open the door to reading each others minds but it did. Over the years, I have discovered that horses not only listen to music, they respond to music with rhythmic strides. I also found the music increases their desire to work close with me in the training process.
At the age of 10, I began training horses for the show arena. I had also studied ballet most of my childhood and planned to be a professional ballet dancer. However, when I reached the age of 18, I had to give up dancing due to an inner ear problem that affected my balance. It was the natural choice to pursue a career in showing horses. I fulfilled my need for dancing by listening to music when I was around the barn. If you should drop by my ranch, you would hear anything from Swan Lake to country music. It wasn’t until years later that I started playing music while I trained horses.
One day I was riding and listening to music when I noticed the horse I was riding was keeping tempo to the music. It was uncanny. I wasn’t sure if my listening to music was influencing the manner in which I gave the signals that I communicated to my horse or if he was choosing to let the music influence his steps. Perhaps it was a little of both. Whatever it was, I this found unity we were sharing. Then I noticed horse after horse that I rode was responding the same way to the music. I became more creative in my training sessions asking the horse to perform the rhythm or various types of music. What I discovered when I took this approach surprised me.
The horse learned their new elements much faster. They seemed to understand my need to stay within the tempo. It was a marvelous discovery. I experimented and turned the horses loose on their own to see how much I had influenced them. What I learned was amazing. On their own, each horse stepped to the music perfectly like a metronome. Horse after horse, at liberty, ran, walked and trotted in time with the music. The horses demonstrated that they were actively listening to the music and being attentive to the tempo and rhythm.
I have been utilizing music as a training aid ever since. I have found it a perfect tool for my clinics and the rapid learning which occurs when using music is phenomenal. At the end of 3 days, students are able to dance at liberty in a full sized arena almost as well as I do.
Listening to music with horses and speaking to each through the music raises both your spirits to enjoy each moment of the training session. Horses naturally enjoy learning but for many people the process is just a means to an end. Once you understand that the process is the best part of your day, anything is possible.
Music will naturally form a big part of my upcoming Self-Realization Program which is taking place next month. Body language, pecking order movements, the timing of aid and the instincts to know what a horse is thinking are all learned more quickly with the use of music. The music gives a student a realistic picture of what they are accomplishing with their horses plus it creates an inventive mind for them, which all trainers must posses.
Talking of the Program, thank you all so much for the wonderful replies you sent to my recent email about it. I’m so glad you like the sound of it so much and I’m really looking forward to spending time with the wonderful group of people who have already booked. One thing we did notice in the emails though was that many of you said the timing isn’t quite right financially. If this is the case and you would still like to attend, please email us and I’m sure we can come up with some sort of plan so you don’t miss out.
More on music soon!
Carolyn
Related posts:
I have hesitated to speak up again, but feel it’s only fair to horses. Several times I watched the video of the mare, and after consulting the website of Lydia Nevzorov, I am convinced of this: the mare’s scapula are being pinched by the saddle. As an artist I also have studied anatomy, have an uncanny instinct for massage, and after reviewing the diagram in Lydia’s site (http://www.hauteecole.ru/en/press.php?sid=0&id=236) I am convinced the mare’s scapulae are being pinched by the edge of the saddle as they move. This is in addition to the punishing athletic paradox of asking the horse to put her weight on the hindquarters while forcing all the weight onto the forehand by the design of the saddle and the position of the rider!
I realize I said before I thought the horse was being thrown off balance, but I can’t imagine the pain of having the points of the scapule push against a saddle. That aspect only became clear after the previous post.
Just curious if anyone has any angles on saddles to share. Until this year I was clueless, really. The more I find out about what horses suffer at the hands of human vanity and ignorance, the more I am inclined to pretty much stay off them and play from the ground until I’m totally sure of everything. They are amazing creatures, not the least remarkable characteristic being their oceanic degree of forgiveness and tolerance.
Hi Kerry,
here’s the link per your request: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKQgTiqhPbwer y
Kerrie: Here is the link that Elizabeth had posted:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKQgTiqhPbw
Elizabeth and Stina: I think you both make good points and I always try to keep an open mind.
Here is a link to a beautiful rider/trainer, her name is Anja Beran -I lover her work with the horses:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cev-xluk3T8
Hello everyone,
I am so glad that my sharing a UTUBE can inspire so much thought and reflection. Normally, I would just let this go, but I disagree with the comments about the white mare looking tense and forced. If you look very closely, even within the 1st minute, the tail is relaxed then moves with the next tempo. This horse may in fact use her tail as a form of communication. I have recently come across another such horse and he loves to express himself with his tail! In normal horse circumstances, one would think he is upset when in his case he is quite the opposite.
Also let us remember that in general, the dressage world and it’s current methods and standards allow little room for freedom of expression, I believe with all my heart this little mare, along with her rider, have managed to overcome extreme obstacles to maintain competative status while trying ever so slightly to break paradigms. If you would like to see a horse that is not enjoying himself as much as this little mare, look at the other UTUBE with the big black horse and Anke as the rider – they won the competition, but there was no heart of joy in their performance, only perfection. Even the commentators were quite stoic. The dressage world is always a hot topic which brings up lots of emotion and dissagreement, and in some cases rightflly so. However if we truly believe in the work we are trying to support with Carolyn, then we must also keep and open mind and support those brave individuals who are trying their very best under strict circumstances to make a difference. Only in this way can true change begin. Carolyn had mentioned to me once that she had trained and observed some top dressage riders, outside of the show ring and they do not ride at all the same, they ride better and more connected with much less restriction. I asked Carolyn what would it take to bring that into the show ring? She said someone who would be willing to take risks, get less points and recieve lots of criticism from the traditional dressage community. I believe that until we have enough Carolyn Resnick trained dressage riders in the competition ring…we need to support those brave individuals – horse and human alike. I invite you to see with your ears, hear with your eyes and feal with your heart and follow it no matter where it might lead you…particularly if it means spending more time with your horse!E.
To Stina: You make a good point about the tension in the tail – I’m surprised I missed that one. I do have a video of a Grand Prix ride, with a trainer that I really admire, and one of the things he points out is to notice the lack of tension in the horse’s tail which is an indication of relaxation/ease and happiness with the ride. Blue Horse Matine is probably a good example of a very talented horse being easily exploited for the benefit of the person.
I see Carolyns work with horses as a wonderful dance, where they horses are empowered, they have a say, they enjoy learning, they have energy , fun and spirit.
I learnt that the horse would invite you on their backs from Carolyn and when the horse invite and you do not force, that is when I think a dance can start.
I think Pandero would dance with or without a rider like he does in the film clip i was fortunate to shoot when i visited carolyn, that is dance as i can see now, that is performance in harmony.
thank you
Hi Kim, we watch the same video and see different, this it is very interesting. You see a mare who give, I see a young mare who is forced. You see unity and are moved. I see force that destroys and where the horse have no say.
Hi Pamelaa, good question, try to find a clip where the horse do not protest with the tail and where the head is in correct angle (head vertical not pointing downwards) and where the back legs are solid under the weight of the rider.
Hi Stina–#20,
Yes, I would agree with you about the dance part…as the peformance in the video has a different intent.
What moves me, is the all with which that mare gives of herself….for a human….
I would think there has to be some kind of special unity between the two of them for her to want to participate at that level.
As, what we are learning here, will foster the unity between humans–like myself and my drafts for play, it also fosters a strong unity with others who intend to show.
To Stina, If the video of Blue Horse Matine is no dance, than what is it in your opinion, perhaps a very good performance?
Inge’s comment about the bells was so interesting. To think that the horse would work to maintain a steady rhythm using the sound of the bells is lovely. Perhaps that helped with sleigh rides? I also agree that the sounds of nature are such music to my ears and I’m sure the horses’ agree. I am a massage therapist and I sometimes use what I call toning with horses where I use certain healing tones with my voice up near their skin. They feel it and hear it and it often brings about release.
Leslie Wolf
Hi Stina
)
Im so glad that you mentioned Blue Hors Matine. I so agree with you !
With regards to music. I would love to use it and I have had a small boombox with me outside but in our windy conditions there is no way we (my horse and I can hear it unless we are standing on the boombox it self
Not sure how to solve that. Maybe I’ll try using my phone and have it in my pocket even though its not the same. Worth a try.
I find it very interesting this post and it makes me want to try to use more music.
Where I live, the nature sounds are very intense and strong and feels almost like music. However the rhythms are very different.
I love to dance and I would love to find the better rhythm with my horses.
Kind regards Stina
To Elisabeth and Kim I would just like to share an opinion…(even though I would like to follow the rules of this blog to discuss and share ideas on how we are doing using Carolyns Method…… ) but I have to say the link to the Blue Horse Matine clip, is no dance.
Dance has lightness, dance has spirit, dance is energizing and dance is in harmony with your partner. Unfortunately many people cannot see that this videoclip is not a dance.
I listen to music everytime I am with my horses. It is fun and influences my movement and energy. I get into a more relaxed space and if you catch me walking out to the herd you will often see me dance/walking to the horses with my earphones on…
Tried this out yesterday on a new trail – my horse tends to jig a lot in new territory. Not only did we have a great ride but I have finally found someone who appreciates my singing/humming. Unfortunately I will have to expand my repertoire.
I do not use music from a radio or what so ever. I use sometimes little bells they are on a ring around the neck of the horse. I believe you people in the USA use them against bears in the woods.
We dont have them, but i use the little bells for the speed.
I have notist that the horse give response to the sound. And he try to get the same rythem beat after awhile.
So he get more relaxed and walks at the same speed all times.
I dont use it much but sometimes it help me and him during our training.
Nice to read that people have all kind of difference experinces with music and horses.
Wow, this was so interesting. Carolyn, the way that you have combined your love of horses and music is similar to how I combined my passion for music with my love of dogs, in the creation of Through a Dog’s Ear. I’m not at all surprised to hear that horses are so trainable to music. I’m very curious to know what music you play.
For you dog lovers, the results of different types of music played for dogs (in shelters and homes) and what calmed them can be found at http://throughadogsear.com/research.htm
Can’t wait to read more on music and horses soon!
Thanks for the youtube link, Elizabeth. That is one of the nicest freestyles I’ve ever seen. That horse is unreal!
My horse’s trot matches the tempo to “Stray Cat Strut” perfectly. He appears to like 80′s music and jazz quite alot.
How funny…I tried music with my horse..and it was amazing to find out that she enjoys Greenday. I couldn’t believe it. I had with me lots of songs, classic music, pop, and then rock..Well, she disn’t care a lot until she listened to “wake me up when september ends” and started moving as if she was dancing. She wasn’t scared or something like that, she really enjoyed it. And then I discovered she likes Coldplay, Muse. Well, the music that I listen too. It’s amazing to understand how much we have in common. Her favourite songs are my favorite ones…Thank you Lella to have chosen me as your owner…
I was recommended to use music a year ago…so I tried it…and what an amazing shift it was for Miracle…she was a completely different horse. Ears forward, relaxed and focused.
I wasn’t sure what to play, so let her choose what was at the barn by watching her reaction to each.
She chose Nancy Wilson…sort of bluesy.
This summer I have been playing Camelot with Robert Goulet and Julie Andrews…wow…and all three–especially Harry, LOVE IT.
I tried Native American flute, they didn’t like it. Irish Flute…no chance…they ran
away.
They seem to like the more classical types.
I believe they would like the music played in the video posted by Elizabeth..it’s upbeat, with a good tone.
Carolyn—can you post for us your list?..if you don’t mind.
More fun to share…love it.
Hi Elizabeth…
I have seenthat video before..and everytime, that horse, the unity and the spirit with which she gives her all…just look at those ears…just makes me get all choked up….fabulous…
She makes one smile with joy.
Hello Carolyn,
Great article. I have not yet had much personal experience with horses and music, but I feel compelled to share a YOU TUBE that every time I watch i am moved to tears for joy at this horse – how she leaves the commentator at a loss for words, inspires the crowd to clap along and how her rider HUGS her so hard at the end…it is an amazing example of a horse truly loving and enjoying the music. Enjoy – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKQgTiqhPbw
(Just in case the link doesn’t work – search for dancing dressage horse or andreas Helgstrand – WEG2006 and the horse is Blue Horse Mantinee…have fun!
Dear Ritambhara,
I like music that has rythem and a beat that dances me. I choose the beat to match the stride of my walk that brings me a feeling of freedom, celebration and heart connection with my horse. I like words that express in the moment what is going on between me and my horse like Islands in the Stream for example.
or Argentine Tango or for that matter march music or drums or a romantic ballad or classic music or a spirtual mantra or an that instrument from Australia.
Hi Carolyn, I put a video on our WRIC Youtube site of Renn and me doing Companion Walking and Leading from Behind. I’d welcome comments from you, and any of our members, too. I loved your post about music and horses, and intend to do more with it. Thanks, Ruella
Dear Becky,
Yes I do know about the rythem beads. I love your fathers awareness and I see the music in movemts. I also take pictures of these movemtns in harmony with one another.
Patterns and music in harmony and unity is the dance of life and of celebration.
I look for patters in movements as much as I listen to music.
I put music on and dance to the music and in the dance I train my horse never steping out of the rythem of the music I am listening to and my horse learns my lessons with and intrest that is greater that if I forget to stay true to the rythem of the music and and feeling the music sets in me.
Wow, great post!!! I must try this.
Great insight, Stuart!
The other thing i just thought of is that music creates mood, so i supose it would be good to listen to something that puts you in a space with your horse that could create what you need ie confidence, relaxation, more energy, less energy etc. And that choice of music would be very personal to the listener. I supose then, that if horses really are feeling and hearing the music too, then they may have their own choices! It may be another way to explore the match between the dancing couple – just this time one is a horse and the other is human. Maybe the’d have different preferences!?
Why a lot of people have difficulty with the possibility that horses feel music, is because if they accepted this as true everything about how they relate to horses would have to change… indeed even their world-view would be required to shift… suddenly horses become beings of intelligence, sensitivity, choice, rather than mere creatures of work and function… and the same goes for cattle, sheep and chickens !
Some of you may enjoy looking up about the “Thai Elephant Orchestra”…. very cool….
My father has a business called lifemusic. The basis is that any part of life experience can be put to music. And music can be a medium to explore any part of life experience. Everything has a pulse, and if we can find natural rhythm in all we do, we can connect to ourselves to others and our envoironment in union. Horses hold this natural rhythm in the way they live and communicate, also in their gaits and body movements. Carolyn, have you heard of rhythm beads? They are worn around the necks of horses with bells and beads and help horses and their people find their natural rhythms. When i ride, i sometimes use mongilian throat singing and chanting to help me find my centre and relax, and it has a wonderful effect on my horses. I also do African drumming and i find it not only mimicks the horse in the way it’s so grounding, but also in the way the base, tones and slaps on the skin remind me of the thunder or lightness of horses hooves – depending on how you are playing at the time and for what effect.
It’s all tied in beautifuly, fantastic post.
I would love to know what some of your favorite music is that you use with your horses.