The horse will rely more on the rider's judgment and less on its own instincts. However, before relinquishing its natural instincts, the horse must be absolutely sure that the rider will never do anything that causes it physical or psychological pain or discomfort. As the relationship between horse and rider grows stronger, the rider eventually becomes so concerned about the horse's well-being that the horse will know the rider would never ask anything that would cause harm. It's at this point in the horse's schooling and awareness of its rider's intentions that the horse develops a thoughtfulness for the rider. The horse then becomes concerned with the welfare of its rider.
Arabian horses are capable of performing exercises with great precision, consistency, and panache.
However, sometimes the horse may abort an exercise if it perceives any danger to the rider. The rider must trust this caring gesture and give no admonishments for the horse's concern for its rider. This level of relationship between the horse and rider where all elements of understanding, communication, trust, and kindness are present takes several years to cultivate, just like close human friendships. Those who desire this closeness with their horses must be patient and committed to the cause. Copyright 1999 The GreenTree Group.