With all the talk of horse "whispering", and promotion of those using methods attributed to that genre, what might your horse say if he were to whisper back?

If he has been a trainee of one who understands and applies the basic philosophies correctly, he might summarize it thus:

1. "I do understand your message better when you communicate to me as my herd friends would do".

2. "It was good of you to warm me up, even letting me play a bit, before asking me to go to work".

3. "Thank you for allowing some mistakes as I learn and some time to figure out what you want".

4. "I appreciate being taught what it is you want BEFORE you expect correct results".

5. "I may forget some of this tomorrow or the next day, but I will reward you for your patience in time".

6. "When you quietly and fairly take control of my attention and movement, I respect you and DO try harder".

7. "All that time we spend with scary things is teaching me I CAN control my fear and I feel braver".

8. "You must have had a bit in YOUR mouth before because you never jerk mine and you release my mouth as soon as I give to your hands".

9. "One of these days, I know I'll make you proud, and may even save your neck in a crisis, because you have been truly communicating".

10. "I'm glad you never shout at me, but you don't REALLY have to whisper".

Article by Penn Herbert