People have been using horses for transportation, farming, and recreation for thousands of years. Over time, riders and drivers have developed various techniques for encouraging horses to increase their speed when needed. This includes using verbal commands, signals, and even applying tools like whips or spurs. Understanding what motivates a horse to go faster requires learning about equine psychology and methods of clear communication.
Verbal Commands for Increasing Equine Speed
The most common way riders spur faster movement is through verbal commands. Over centuries, certain words and phrases have become traditional cues. Exact terminology varies between disciplines and regions, but the basic meaning is similar. Here are some common examples of verbal commands used to tell a horse to go faster:
- “Trot” or “Jog” – Used to transition from a walk into a brisk two-beat gait.
- “Canter” or “Lope”- Cues the horse to shift into a three-beat gait that is faster than a trot but slower than a gallop.
- “Gallop” or “Run” – Tells the horse to use a fast four-beat gait at or close to its top speed.
- “Hyah!” or “Hup!” – A shout or yell to excite the horse into a sudden burst of speed.
- Kissing sounds – Some riders use kissing sounds to ask for an extra boost of speed.
The volume and sharpness of the verbal command can also carry meaning. A firm tone with emphasis tends to be more effective at spurring immediate action compared to a passive or gentle voice.
Using Signals to Ask for Speed
In addition to voice commands, riders communicate with horses through subtle body signals. For example, simply leaning forward slightly and putting more weight in the stirrups can signal a horse to increase pace. Other signals that prompt a horse to speed up include:
- Gently kicking or squeezing with the legs and calves.
- Relaxing the reins slightly to allow more freedom of movement.
- Tapping the sides of the horse with a whip or crop.
- Raising and dropping the hands rhythmically.
- Tilting the chin up and looking ahead.
These signals work because horses are highly sensitive and attuned to their rider’s posture and movements. Consistent training helps the horse learn how to interpret and respond appropriately to various subtle signs.
Using Whips and Spurs to Encourage Speed
Some riders also use whips, crops, and spurs when extra encouragement is needed to prompt a horse to go faster. These tools apply touch pressure when used correctly. Examples include:
- Crops and bats – Short whips used for tapping the horse’s shoulder or hindquarters.
- Dressage whips – Long whips used for rhythmically “swishing” along the horse’s side.
- Spurs – Metal devices worn on rider’s boots to gently jab the horse’s sides.
The pressure stimuli from these tools tells the horse to move up into a faster gait. However, they should only be used for clear communication, not out of anger or frustration. Whips and spurs can actually slow a horse down when overused.
Considering the Horse’s Training and Temperament
The effectiveness of different techniques for encouraging faster speed depends partially on the individual horse. Factors like training, temperament, health status, and breed can all influence how well a horse responds.
For example, horses with advanced dressage or thoroughbred racing training are very sensitive to subtle leg and seat cues. But an untrained horse or one that was previously mistreated might ignore gentle signals and require clearer encouragement. Using loud verbal commands or whip taps on a nervous or high-strung horse could cause unintended panic and bolting.
That’s why riders need to tailor their signals to each horse’s needs. Getting to know the horse’s unique personality helps a rider select appropriate techniques. With time and consistency, the horse learns to interpret its rider’s cues and comfortably increase speed on request.
Key Points for Safely Speeding Up Equines
When asking horses to speed up, the main priority should always be clear communication and safety. Here are some key points to remember:
- Use the minimal amount of signals needed to get the job done.
- Build speed gradually – drastic pace changes can startle the horse.
- Stay centered and balanced in the saddle or cart.
- Keep a firm hold of reins in case the horse tries to bolt.
- Keep the horse mentally calm and relaxed as speed increases.
- Watch for signs of tiring and ease back if needed.
With patience and practice, both horse and rider learn to interpret each other’s signals. The human learns the most effective commands for that particular animal. The horse becomes more responsive about smoothly transitioning into incrementally faster gaits.
What Motivates Horses to Change Speed?
Horses are prey animals wired to flee danger through speed and agility. Humans tap into those natural survival instincts when encouragement is needed. But what actually motivates horses to change pace?
Here are some of the reasons horses respond to human signals by speeding up:
- Release of pressure – When human legs put gentle pressure on the horse’s sides, the horse moves forward to escape the sensation.
- Avoidance of pain – Whips and spurs can cause discomfort, so the horse speeds up to avoid further prodding.
- Startle response – Sudden sounds or movements trigger the horse’s fight-or-flight reaction.
- Excitement – Loud voices and kissing sounds raise energy levels and prompt eager forward impulsion.
- Tracking the herd – Horses instinctively speed up to catch up with herd mates trotting or galloping in front.
- Prey instinct – The sensation of a rider leaning forward subconsciously signals potential danger, so the horse flees faster.
It’s important to consider these natural motivations when communicating speed requests. Pushing the horse beyond its limits through fear or pain leads to problems down the road.
When Speed Should Not be Requested
While humans sometimes need horses to work at faster paces, increasing speed is not always appropriate. Here are some scenarios where riders should not push the horse to go faster:
- The horse is lame or injured.
- Terrain is slippery, uneven, or otherwise treacherous.
- Visibility is poor due to darkness or weather conditions.
- The horse is already stressed or spooked.
- The rider’s or driver’s skill level is not yet ready for speed.
- Pace has potential to cause an accident or injury.
Riders should also let horses slow down whenever needed on lengthy rides to prevent fatigue and mental burnout. Pushing limits too often can cause resentment in the horse and make it unwilling to work.
Conclusion
Humans have an array of techniques for communicating to horses that an increase in speed is desired. Simple voice commands like “trot” or “gallop” are commonly used, often in conjunction with subtle body signals. Tools like whips and spurs can also be used judiciously when needed. However, the horse’s individual personality and training should dictate what cues are appropriate and effective.
Whenever encouragement is given for faster gaits, the horse’s well-being should take top priority. Demanding excess speed through force or pain can damage the horse physically and mentally. By building communication based on trust, the human and horse partnership achieves speed safely and willingly.
