Horse Talk and Nonverbal Communication

Lee, you've hit the nail on the head again. As a horsewoman, I can testify that there is a very strong communication between horse and rider that is not verbal.

Now Tonk is a Percheron or Percheron cross, which is a breed known for being calm and sensible (indeed, sometimes stubborn). Clearly he trusted Erin & she trusted him—remember, this is a two-way street. If you do NOT trust the horse you are riding, I can just about guarantee the horse will not trust you to keep him or her out of danger. When you have that bond of trust, facing down a grizzly or walking through fire is not impossible because you are a team.

If Tonk could talk out loud, instead of simply with his behavior, I would be willing to bet money that he also understood the boy was a youngster and needed protection. Many horses are extremely kind and protective of children, particularly those with handicaps or who are inexperienced around horses.

These horses are often called "saints" or "good as gold" because it is simply in their nature to be kind and take care of those who need taking care of.

I'm sure Tonk knew the bear was very dangerous and any horse's first instinct is to run far away from danger. But some, the saints, also have a strong urge to take care of humans and they seem to view it as their job in life. Tonk was doing his job, pure and simply, and he is obviously extraordinarily good at it. And he deserves every carrot, pat, and ounce of praise he can be given for doing his job.
But let's credit Erin too for being able to keep his trust while asking him to do something dangerous.

An old trainer of mine used to say, "A horse's brain is like a tv screen. It won't stay blank for long. If you don't pick the show, then you are going to have to live with whatever image shows up—and you may not like it! So give the horse something to do that you WANT the horse to do."

Riding is much more than a physical exercise. It involves highly developed emotional and communication skills too.

Clearly Erin has those and she and Tonk communicate very well. Thank goodness!