Horse Sense: Seven Things Cowboys Know About Working with Horses

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Hard-Earned Wisdom from Cowboys That Every Horse Lover Can Appreciate

There’s an old saying Way Out West: “A cowboy’s only as good as his horse.” Spend enough time around cowboys, and you’ll realize that the real secret to getting along with horses isn’t just about skill or a heavy hand. It’s about developing a deep understanding, a bit of patience, and a whole lot of respect with your working partner..

Here are seven things every cowboy knows about working with horses, learned the honest way out on the range.

1. With Cowboys and Horses It’s All About Trust

Trust is the cornerstone of every good partnership between a cowboy and his horse. A horse isn’t just a tool; it’s a partner. And that partnership, like every good relationship, is built over time. Cowboys know that you can’t rush a horse into trusting you. It comes from steady hands, a calm voice, and showing up day after day. The best horses are the ones that know you’ve got their back, no matter what.

Every year, I look forward to a week-long ride through some pretty rugged back country. Think, rocky slopes that tilt anywhere from 20 to 35 degrees, both up and down. The first time I paused Whiskey at the top of one of these intimidating downslopes, she let me know, plain as day, that she wasn’t too keen on heading down. A few crow-hops and a toss of her head said it all. I realized I had a decision to make, but honestly, there was only one real option: down was the only way forward.

So, I spoke to her softly but firmly, letting her know we had to get down that slope together. I gave her a gentle squeeze with my legs, loosened the reins so she could place her feet where she needed, and reassured her we’d be just fine. Sure enough, we made it to the bottom without a hitch. She gave a proud little snort, and I gave her a pat and a “good girl” for her trouble. Ever since that day, we haven’t had an issue. I trust her with my life because she trusts me with hers. That kind of trust is pure magic when you find it.

2. Every Horse Has a Personality

Just like folks, no two horses are the same. Some are bold and curious, others are cautious or even a little stubborn. Cowboys learn early on that what works for one horse might not work for another. The trick is paying attention and figuring out what makes each horse tick. It’s all about reading the room. Except that “room” is a 1,200-pound animal with a mind of its own.

I’ve spent enough time around horses to know they’ve all got their own quirks, but every now and then, one will still catch me off guard. I once worked with a gelding who looked every bit the stubborn type, headstrong and set in his ways. In fact, I was pretty sure he didn’t like me at all.

But after a few weeks together, I realized this guy had a playful streak a mile wide! He’d untie his own lead rope (but never take a step away), nudge things off just for fun, and seemed to enjoy a good joke as much as any cowboy. It was a good reminder that, just like people, horses can surprise you with a side you never saw coming.

3. The Importance of Clear Communication

Horses don’t speak English, but they sure know how to communicate. Cowboys rely on subtle cues—body language, the lightest touch of a rein, even just a shift of weight in the saddle. The quieter you are, the more your horse will “hear” you. Sometimes, saying less is saying more. If you’ve ever watched a seasoned cowboy work a horse with barely a word, you know what I mean.

Most days my mare, Whiskey, is an unflappable, hard-working, and patient mount. She teaches me and I train her, and our partnership is a very special one that continues to get better with time. But, there have been times, when she’s used her own special way of telling me something, and I wasn’t listening.

And it’s in these times of “unintended dismounts” that I consider how my not listening to Whiskey ended with me in the dirt. What was she trying to tell me, but more importantly, why did I not understand that she was trying to communicate to me? Simply put, why was I not listening? It’s been these times for me, that have taught me the importance of clear communication.

4. Respect Goes Both Ways

Respect on the range is a two-way street. Cowboys know that you can’t bully a horse into doing what you want. Not if you want to stay safe, anyway. Mutual respect keeps both horse and rider out of trouble. When a horse knows you respect its boundaries and needs, it’s far more willing to meet you halfway. Lose that respect, and you’re in for a rough ride. And this is even more true when dealing with mares!

Now, I personally don’t have tolerance for someone striking a horse in discipline, being mean to a horse, and taking their own failings out on their horse. It’s just, plain and simply, disrespectful. And, there’s no room for it in horsemanship. Being firm is one thing. Disrespect and physical abuse is something else entirely.

According to horse trainer Mark Rashid, in his best-seller Horses Never Lie, “It has always been my contention that working with horses is, or at least should be, a delicate balancing act between finding how much or how little direction it will take to help the horse we are working with understand whatever it is we are trying to teach.”

I’ve always liked that.

5. Patience is a Cowboy’s Best Tool

There’s no shortcut to good horsemanship. Cowboys are patient because they have to be—rushing a horse only leads to frustration on both sides. Sometimes, progress means taking two steps forward and one step back. But when you finally see a breakthrough, it’s worth every minute of waiting.

Patience is paramount in horsemanship because it lays the foundation for a strong, trusting, and ultimately more successful relationship with your horse. Personally, I’ve learned from Craig Cameron, that training horses is most successfully done in layers. Patiently teaching one step and building on that until the lesson is complete.

6. Cowboys Read the Signs

A good cowboy is always watching for the little things: a flick of the ear, a swish of the tail, a sideways glance. Horses are always communicating. But, you have to know what to look for. Being able to read a horse’s mood can keep you out of trouble and help you get the best out of the time together with your partner.

The Ears

One of the easiest signs to read involves the ears. A horse’s ears are like little radar dishes. Where your horse’s ears are pointed is where their attention is:

• If they’re forward, your horse is curious or interested in what’s ahead.

• If those ears are pinned back, it’s a sign of irritation or discomfort.

• Ears swiveling back and forth usually mean your horse is paying attention to different things.

• And, if they’re back at you, that means your horse is listening for direction.

Focus on their ears and you’ll have a head start in getting inside their head.

7. When Dealing With Horses Cowboys Never Stop Learning

Even the oldest hand on a ranch will tell you: there’s always something new to learn about horses. The best cowboys are humble enough to listen, watch, and pick up new tricks along the way. Every horse, every ride, every day brings a lesson…

if you’re paying attention.

The cowboy way isn’t just about riding hard or working long hours, it’s about always being willing to learn, adapt, and grow. Out on the range, no two days are the same.

The best cowboys know that experience is a great teacher, but humility is what keeps you open to learning.

Whether it’s picking up a new trick from an old hand or learning something the hard way from a stubborn horse, there’s always room to get better. That’s the real spirit of the West: staying curious, respecting what you don’t know yet, and never thinking you’ve got it all figured out.

Wrapping Up

Working with horses is as much an art as it is a science. It takes heart, grit, and a willingness to learn. All qualities that cowboys have in spades. Next time you see a cowboy and his horse moving as one, remember: it didn’t happen overnight. Great, soft horses are made over time. A result of trust, respect, patience, and a whole lot of horse sense. —☆

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