When you understand the horse’s nature as a prey animal it becomes clear how and why they are so highly sensitive and perceptive to distance and approach. They are quick to notice things that they deem potentially threatening and respond differently depending on how and where it’s approaching from.
It is useful to know that horses have 7 areas, or zones, of space. Each zone influences the horse differently. If you want to see a diagram and learn more about the zones and how they influence the horse in detail click HERE. For now, here's a quick overview:
Zone 1 is the nose and everything in front of it for one mile.
Zone 2 is from behind the ears to the break in the withers.
Zone 3 is from the break in the withers, includes the front legs, back and ribs.
Zone 4 is the hindquarters and hind legs.
Zone 5 is the tail and everything behind it for one mile.
The Delicate zone is everything that fits inside the halter (eyes and ears).
Zone 7 is the personal space of the horse (can vary based on the horse).
THEN we need to consider the strata of the zones. Similar to the horse's personal space, it's the area around (above, below, to the left and right, front and back) of each zone.
Have you noticed how your horse might be okay with the flag held out right to his nose (Zone 1) but become quite skeptical or fearful once that flag is on the ground or up in the air, below or above Zone 1 respectively?
When we ride our horse we are sitting on Zone 3. Our heads and hands are above it, our seat and legs are on it, and for some taller riders their feet are below it. ;) If I am developing a young horse, helping an unconfident or reactive horse, or just advancing a personal horse I like to spend time helping them understand both Friendly (rhythmic motion/stimulus with no intention) and Driving (rhythmic motion/stimulus with intention) Games from above.
Have you ever been riding a horse and wanted to take your coat off, unwrap a sandwich, or even wave at a neighbor and the next thing you know your horse has practically jumped right out from under you? Well, I have. It’s no fun feeling like you’re riding on eggshells where everything has to be just so, you have to be nice and quiet, no unzipping zippers, no undoing velcro, no sneezing or else you could really startle your horse.
I love one of Pat Parelli’s sayings, if you want your horse used to blackbirds get them used to eagles. Meaning don’t sneak around your horse. Instead do more around and above Zone 3 than you might want to while riding. Then when something does happen in the saddle your horse is less likely to overreact because you’ve been practicing for much bigger things. For example, getting your horse to the point you can ride around shaking a tarp or a flag means that you’ll likely be able to take your coat off while moseying down the trail without a problem.
Building your horse’s confidence overall builds rapport. When she knows she can trust you and your tools and toys without question, and your communication has reached a point that you can help her through tough spots, you’ll have really accomplished something.
So, how do we do this? Rather than try this while sitting on your horse, or if it’s a colt that hasn’t been backed yet, you can begin creating and growing confidence while you stand or sit on something from above them. Once they are not just tolerating but accepting of what you’re doing from there you have a pretty good chance of it working out well from the saddle.
I usually sit on a secure fence so I am above Zone 3 with my horse on a 12' Line. I then play Friendly and Driving Games that I have taught on the ground first and test from above. Being that I am sitting on the fence it holds me very accountable not to push my horse too far, too fast. It would be quite easy to have a loose horse or get pulled off the fence if I didn't truly honor the horse's timeline, had a good application of feel, timing, and balance, and hands that close slowly and open quickly on my rope. Alternatively you can try this standing on your mounting block for something less tall than a fence. When you get really good you can try it while standing on a barrel, on the fender of your trailer, or on a trampoline… get creative!
Comment if playing in different strata of the zones is a new concept for you. If it's not, let me know how you've been expanding the communication between you and your horse in different areas around her body!
Interested in learning more about the Zones of your horse, how to build your horse’s confidence and acceptance with the Friendly Game, or the quality of her yielding and response to a suggestion with the Driving Game? Click my link HERE to join the Savvy Club or contact me to set up some one-on-one coaching! When you’re in the Savvy Club check out Level 1 On Line Friendly Game: Zoneology and Level 3 On Line Theory: Strata of Zones.