Blogs

#16: The Power of the Pause - Why Slowing Down is Your Fastest Way Forward

Oftentimes, the most profound progress that happens in your training doesn't happen during the “work” — it happens in the pause during the work.

When we are working with Henley or Santino (whether under-saddle or on the ground) we have learned to prioritize taking short breaks as a sort of mental reset. Since there is inherent stress in learning, we want to create the mental space necessary for them to process.

When we stop and allow their energy to settle, our horses give us information. They show signs of relaxation—a deep sigh, a soft eye, or blow out of their nostrils. This isn't just downtime. These are just some of the physical markers of a horse moving from a state of tension and back into a place of engagement and safety.

During these moments, we like to offer a small jackpot (or magnitude reinforcer) even though the session isn’t over just yet. By doing so, we are catering to their ability to regulate their own nervous systems.

Let’s be honest, learning is hard work. In horses who routinely engage in positive reinforcement training, it elicits what is known as eustress. That is, good or positive stress that’s short-term, feels exciting, and is perceived within a horse’s coping abilities, often fostering growth and motivation. It heightens the central nervous system, increasing alertness and performance. Unlike distress, eustress promotes emotional well-being, resilience, and optimism.

Another way to achieve training success more quickly is to break every lesson down into digestible pieces that feel like "wins" rather than "tasks." Rather than pushing them through a moment of confusion, we choose to acknowledge their current stage of learning and honor it. We give them the gift of time—the time to think, the time to feel safe, and the time to say, offer us body language and facial expressions that help us to know they’re feeling good about their “work”.

These quiet intervals aren't wasted time! They are the foundation of a trust-based relationship. When the nervous system settles, real, lasting learning becomes possible. A regulated horse is a capable horse; a safe horse has the opportunity to be a brilliant horse…a horse that thrives.

Take the time it takes, so it can end up taking less time. When you have the courage to slow down, you’ll find your horse progresses much faster because you aren't constantly repairing a fractured bond. In the end, his gratitude will be written in his willingness and the exuberance for training.