Understanding Resistance in Horses by D/C - Series Wrap-Up

Dennis Cappel
Aug 11
2 min read

Clear Mental Horsemanship with Dennis Cappel

The Mind Leads; The Body Follows. – Resistance Series Wrap-Up

Resistance is never just a physical problem; it is an opportunity to help the horse better understand what we are asking.

By isolating specific areas, head, neck, shoulders, ribcage, and hips, we can address each part individually instead of trying to soften the entire horse at once.

Resistance always begins in the horse’s mind. The horse is protecting itself either from real discomfort (such as pain in a joint, muscle, or bone) or from imagined discomfort, where they believe a movement will cause them harm. In either case, the mind is the driving force behind the brace.

By directing each body part separately and allowing the horse to experience the peace that comes from trying to do what we ask, we create softness. In that softness, we can then connect all the body parts into one unified, willing, and pliable horse.

A horse without resistance is not only a joy to be around, but they can also perform at their physical best. While each body part may seem most important when we are working on it, the truth is, they are all equally vital.

When one part is not working correctly, it often affects the others. Addressing resistance one body part at a time simply makes the process clearer, easier, and more effective for both horse and rider.

Mindful Riding,

Dennis Cappel - Master Horseman

www.cappeltrainingandshoeng.com