Natural horsemanship is an umbrella term for a broad range of training philosophies and techniques that emphasise communication, understanding of horse behaviour, and the development of a willing partnership between horse and human — rather than control achieved through force or mechanical means. It draws on ethological principles (the study of animal behaviour) and represents a significant shift from traditional “breaking” methods toward a more collaborative approach to horsemanship.
Origins and Philosophy
While horsemanship based on empathy and understanding has ancient roots, the modern natural horsemanship movement gained prominent visibility from the 1980s onwards through practitioners such as Tom Dorrance, Ray Hunt, Pat Parelli, Monty Roberts, and others working primarily in the western tradition. Their work emphasised reading the horse’s body language, working with the horse’s natural instincts rather than against them, and building trust as the foundation of training.
The core principle is that horses are prey animals with a strong herd instinct and a finely developed communication system. A horse that understands what is being asked, trusts its handler, and is not operating from a state of fear will learn faster, perform better, and remain sounder mentally than one trained purely through repetition and correction.
Key Concepts in Natural Horsemanship
Most natural horsemanship systems share several core concepts. Pressure and release — applying pressure to ask for a response and releasing immediately when the horse responds correctly — is foundational. The concept of “advance and retreat” uses approach and withdrawal to desensitise fearful horses gradually. Join-up, popularised by Monty Roberts, uses the horse’s own herd instinct and body language to establish communication and willing followership from the ground. Round pen work, liberty training, and groundwork exercises feature prominently across most programmes.
See also: join-up and groundwork.
Natural Horsemanship in Practice
Natural horsemanship is not a specific discipline but a philosophy applicable across riding styles and breeds. Many dressage riders incorporate natural horsemanship principles into their training. Event riders use join-up and desensitisation techniques to prepare young horses for cross-country. Western trainers use it extensively for starting young horses and resolving behavioural problems. The emphasis on communication rather than force has broad application regardless of the rider’s primary discipline.
Organisations such as the British Horse Society recognise and incorporate horse behaviour science into their welfare and training guidelines: www.bhs.org.uk. The FEI also promotes training principles based on understanding and welfare: www.fei.org
Criticism and Limitations
Natural horsemanship has occasionally attracted criticism. Some argue that certain popular clinicians have created cult-like followings around their branded systems, selling expensive courses and equipment as though there is one definitive method. Others point out that poorly applied natural horsemanship — such as excessive round pen chasing or misreading pressure and release — can cause as much stress as traditional methods. The principles are sound; the execution depends entirely on the skill and empathy of the practitioner.
Contemporary equine behaviour science, including ISES (International Society of Equitation Science), now provides a more rigorous scientific framework that complements and sometimes challenges elements of popular natural horsemanship programmes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is natural horsemanship only for western riders?
No. While it gained mainstream popularity through western practitioners, the principles of natural horsemanship are applicable across all equestrian disciplines. Many classical dressage trainers, event riders, and British Horse Society instructors draw on ethological principles and pressure-release training in their work. The terminology differs between traditions, but the underlying understanding of horse psychology is universal.
What is the difference between natural horsemanship and traditional training?
Traditional training historically relied heavily on repetition, correction, and in some cases force to achieve obedience. Natural horsemanship emphasises understanding why a horse behaves as it does and working with that understanding to achieve willing cooperation. In practice, the best traditional trainers have always understood their horses deeply — the label is less important than the quality of the relationship and communication.
How do I get started with natural horsemanship?
The best starting point is groundwork — learning to communicate clearly with your horse from the ground before adding the complexity of riding. Books by Tom Dorrance (True Unity) and Ray Hunt (Think Harmony With Horses) offer the philosophical foundations. Attending clinics or working with a qualified instructor who incorporates behaviour science into their teaching is more effective than following a DVD programme alone. Building your observation skills — learning to read your horse’s body language accurately — is the most valuable single investment you can make.