Contact and Connection: The Heart of Horse-man-ship

Dennis Cappel
May 19
2 min read

Contact and Connection: The Heart of Horse-man-ship

By Dennis Cappel, Master Horseman

What is contact? Why does it matter? And how do we use it with intention?

To me, contact is when a horse first feels a suggestion from the rider. It’s the deliberate application of energy—from person to horse—used with purpose. True contact isn’t just about pressure; it’s about connection. It’s about a moment of communication that invites the horse to respond, not react.

Every time you apply contact, it should have a clear intention—based on what you're asking the horse to do and how the horse is feeling in that moment. Yes, the horse’s feelings matter. When a horse realizes their feelings are being acknowledged and respected, they’re more likely to respond with trust, softness, and confidence.

But when a horse senses that their feelings are being ignored—or worse, overridden—they tend to brace, resist, or push into the pressure. This creates tension and damages the bond, eroding the very trust we’re trying to build.

Contact is about far more than just your hands and the bridle reins. In fact, the most meaningful contact often begins with your seat, legs, and intention. When your horse is moving forward with purpose—when the back and shoulders are engaged—a slight, soft suggestion through the reins can guide them with feel and clarity.

This level of communication allows you to direct movement forward or laterally, influencing specific parts of the horse’s body like the hindquarters, ribs, or shoulders. It’s not just about moving the horse—it's about inviting a balanced response through purposeful contact and a trusting connection.

Many riders fixate on the horse’s head position, trying to "shape the face" with their hands alone. While this might give the appearance of collection, it often lacks true connection. A horse’s soft face should be the result of proper engagement through the whole body—not the goal itself.

After all, nearly everything we ask of our horses involves movement through the feet. If the hands override the seat and legs, communication becomes confusing—and the partnership weakens.

Contact and connection are not tools you reach for only when convenient—they are the foundation of every interaction.

From the moment you catch your horse, to leading, tacking up, preparing for the ride, and every step in the saddle—your awareness of how your horse is responding is what matters most.

Being effective as a leader means: