25/08/2026
One of my favourite parts of helping people to communicate with their horses better, is receiving messages like this one I got this morning.
Cobs are traditionally seen as 'easy to do', bold and brave 'bombproof'. A plod, needing to be 'kicked along'.
Some are, yes. And on the surface, this gorgeous boy would easily be mistaken for being a 'typical cob'.
Totally unbothered by heavy traffic, having his first roller and first saddle, or anything else, the truth only shows when you ask something of him - such as an offer to move his shoulder, hindquarters, back up or come forward, my 4 basic movements.
With a physical touch he will move on a light touch but it feels like he is simply following the 'push' and is not actively thinking. As you increase the distance to use a more energetic pressure he doesn't respond as he is 'not in the room'. He has shutdown within himself.
This may be a natural personality trait, or it may have come from developing a coping mechanism when too much has been asked of him previously.
Either way, we spent a session on 'resensitising'. Showing him the difference between non-intentional energy and intentional energy. He became so much more connected during the session and began to respond to a tiny energetic intention, and relaxed, yet stayed connected during non-intentional energy.
To then receive this message a few days later is so wonderful because he now feels he can openly communicate, even a no, and he will be heard.
Do you think you have a shutdown horse? Or does yours express their opinions loud and clear and you need some help in how to communicate effectively in a gentle, mindful way? Send me a message for personal support.
