Training Pressure Approaches: Driven vs. Awareness – What Do You Notice in Your Horses?

Reflections on Energy, Pressure, and Building Better Partnerships

Hey there, fellow horse owners! Today, I wanted to jump in with some musings from my own time working with horses—nothing too scientific, just honest observations about how different approaches to pressure and energy have played out between me and my herd. I’m keen to spark a bit of a yarn, so feel free to share your own experiences in the comments. Let’s get a good discussion going!

Unpacking Two Common Approaches to Pressure

Whether you’re up the paddock doing in-hand work, lunging, or in the saddle, how you apply energy, and pressure can make a world of difference—not just to your horse’s behaviour, but to your own confidence and enjoyment too. Over the years, I’ve found myself using two main strategies (sometimes without even realising it) and have noticed some distinct differences in my horses’ responses, as well as in my own mindset.

The Two Pathways: “Driven” vs. “Awareness”

1. Driven – Start Small, Increase Pressure Gradually

Picture this: You’re asking your horse to step out on a circle with a halter, lead rope, and whip. You start gently with the lead rope, then use the whip for a soft tap, gradually making the taps firmer and faster if the horse doesn’t respond. You keep building the energy until you get the action you want.

2. Awareness – Start with High Energy, Then Soften 

Alternatively, you might begin with a bolder gesture—say, waving a flag on a stick or making a loud noise—not directed at the horse, but enough to get their attention. As soon as the horse responds, you immediately soften or remove your aids, rewarding the response by reducing the pressure.

For the sake of yarn, let’s call these two methods “Driven” (option 1) and “Awareness” (option 2).

My Honest Observations: How Horses Respond

Option 1: Driven

When I used the “Driven” method—gradually escalating pressure—it often led to increased tension in my horses. As prey animals, horses naturally become more anxious as pressure mounts, and I’d see things like:

• More flighty or spooky behaviour

• Lowered confidence and trust

• Tighter muscles and shallow breathing

• Increased tension when learning new things

• Occasionally, responses that felt genuinely dangerous

To be honest, this took a toll on me, too. I became more anxious about trying new things or even just spending time with my horses. I felt like I was missing out on the joy and connection that got me into horses in the first place.

Option 2: Awareness

Switching to the “Awareness” method—starting with a bigger aid, then quickly dialing it down—led to some really positive changes. The horses seemed to become more aware without escalating into a flight response. Over time, I noticed:

• Greater confidence, both in the herd and on their own

• Better self-regulation in unpredictable situations (think: noisy utes, sudden kangaroos, you name it)

• Calmer, softer responses replacing old stress habits

• More trust and a stronger bond between us

• Faster, softer responses to the smallest of aids

For me, my confidence grew. I could break things down into smaller asks, read my horses’ body language more clearly, and stay calm even when things got hectic—skills that have helped me beyond the paddock, too!

Translating It to the Saddle

When I carried and applied the “Awareness” approach into riding, the changes were even more obvious: my horses moved with more softness and fluidity, learned new things more easily, and genuinely wanted to engage. The beauty of this approach is that, after an initial “big” ask, you can often come back with the lightest cue and get a lovely response. But like learning a new language, it’s something you need to revisit and refresh to keep that softness and clarity alive.

Putting It Into Practice

If there’s one takeaway, it’s this: start noticing what happens when you apply different types and levels of energy or pressure with your horses. How do they react? How do you feel? Reflect, experiment, and don’t be afraid to adjust. Every horse is unique, and what matters is finding what works for your partnership.

Ensure whichever approach you take to be consistent and work towards Practicing for Permanency.

I’d love to hear your thoughts! What have you noticed when working with your horses? Do you see similar patterns, or something completely different? Drop your stories, questions, and ideas in the comments—let’s help each other make our horse time even better.