AAPH Terms

AAPH

American Association for the Progression of Horsemanship; an organization dedicated to providing a forum for education, communication and competition among supporters of those who use the natural behavior laws of the horse

Categories of Progression

Put the working relationship between horse and handler into a practical context from ground work through riding and provide a framework for assessment of the application of skills and understanding of the natural equine laws

Ground Work I

The first AAPH Category of Progression consisting of a specific series of unmounted exercises between horse and handler. Ground work is also the term used for any unmounted training or work done between horse and handler.

Preparing to Ride I

The second AAPH Category of Progression consisting of a specific series of unmounted exercises between horse and handler that addresses the ability of an equine to deal with pressure of the preparation of riding, including various objects such as a saddle and in both lower and upper planes

Mounting and Moving I

The third AAPH Category of Progression consisting of a specific series of exercises that addresses the relationship between horse and handler during mounting and requests for basic movements under saddle

Riding I

The fourth AAPH Category of Progression consisting of a specific series of mounted exercises between horse and handler

Evaluators

Officials who assess horse/handler teams in competition

Horse Communication

Direct pressure

Physical contact of handler or equipment to horse intended to create a desired response

Indirect pressure

Movement of handler or equipment without physical contact intended to create a desired response

Innate laws

See natural behavior laws

Intent

Mental communication or directions from the handler to the horse

Look of concern

A social reflex. Horse's attentive posture, with wide open, attentive eyes on handler, where handler can see some white of horse's eye

Loose rating

Working the horse from the ground at liberty, free of any lead or physical restraint

Matching energy

From the horse, an instinctual desire to follow the handler's energy level at walk, trot or canter. Synergy; partnership

Natural behavior laws

Equine instincts; herd dynamics

Orientation

Beginning of an interaction between handler and horse. Willingness of horse to cooperate with and demonstrate respect of the handler, frequently demonstrated by a calm and respectful approach to the handler

Pecking order

Natural herd dynamics in which each horse has a place in the herd hierarchy relative either higher or lower to the other herd members

Pressure tolerance

A horse's ability to deal safely with any environmental stimuli, either natural or artificial, while maintaining an active yet relaxed connection with the handler

Reflective behavior

Behavior that pushes against a stimulus or pressure

Reflexive behavior

Behavior that is based on an instinctive response to stimulation

Spatial relationship

Horse and handler maintain relative position from each other in accordance with the natural laws of herd dynamics

Yields

Disengage hindquarter

Moving horse's hind end laterally to stop energy

Front quarter yield

A lateral movement of the horse's front end away from the handler. The outside front leg steps away, the inside front leg then crosses under the body

Hind quarter yield

A lateral movement of the horse's hind end away from the handler. The inside hind leg crosses under the horse's body; the front legs do not move forward

Lateral flexion

Bending of horse's spin in either direction

Lateral yield

Moving sideways

Leave

A yield. A transition of energy and gait

Poll flexion

Bending of the poll

Resistance

Brace

Reflective behavior demonstrated by a lack of willingness on the part of the horse, generally categorized as either a push brace or a heavy brace

Coping mechanism

A means for dealing with environment or pressure (i.e., substituted behaviors include cribbing, stall walking, inability to stand still; may also be evident in dull eyes; non-responsive with lack of energy.)

Disassociation

Disconnect. Can be mental disconnect of horse from handler; can be lack of coordination between horse's mind and feet

Heavy brace

Locking up; lack of free movement with feet. Disassociation

Opposition brace

See heavy brace

Over-reactive

A push brace; flight response

Push brace

To run or push through; flight response. Often demonstrated through overreaction or a push on the bit

General Terms

Conditioned response

Behavior based on an established pattern of stimulus - response - reinforcement

Desensitization

Introduction of the horse to pressures in such a way that encourages them to cope rather than to build a pressure tolerance

Draw

Creating an area of low pressure that invites the horse to the handler

Environmental pressure

Those pressures created by the external environment around the horse, either by nature (such as wind, trees, rain, other animals, etc) or by the human environment (barns, trailers, vehicles, etc.)

Eye

The horse looking to the human for direction

Flight response

Instinctive response to pressure or perceived threat. Indicated by a heightened heart and lung rate, followed by escape / run. A horse will not come out of flight response until the pressure is gone.

Holistic horse

A horse that will go under any pressure and do any job. A holistic horse is balanced mentally and physically, will not overreact to anything, will work for a handler under any pressure in any discipline, will perform any task.

Lower plane

The horse's lower body (including legs, feet, belly) and space below the horse. Also the term given to non-mounted work from the same footing level (ground) as the horse, as in "working the lower plane"

Planes of reference

Six regions inherent in each horse: right eye; left eye; front horse; hind horse; upper plane; lower plane

Release

A moment of relaxation indicating an acceptance of pressure and letting go of anxiety. Demonstrated by such behaviors as licking and chewing, strong exhaling, etc.

Upper plane

The horse's upper body (including head, neck, back, tail) and space above the horse. Work above the horse's back. Can be from the side of the arena, a platform, etc., or from the saddle