A lick and chew is not the only tell tale sign…

How many times have your hear, ” Wait for him to lick his lips, and chew a bit.”? Well, this is a good sign he/she has settled, but it’s not the only thing you should be looking for.

I have worked with many methods over the years, but recently I came across something new to me. (LOL… at my age to find something new is exciting!) Anyway, I research a great many training techniques, methods, tools, etc. to improve what I do. I was studying the topic of horse/equine psychology. In that study there are many similarities between horses and people. One such similarity is the parasympathetic and the sympathetic nervous system responses to stimuli.

As you are aware, horses will go into fight or flight mode as quickly as they can, and come back down just as easily. However, some horses get stuck in the middle, and they may need more time to return to a relaxed state.

Pressure comes from all kinds of stimuli. Whether the pressure is from training, fear, or just an uncomfortable situation. Stress indicators are a good way to assess what state of relaxation your horse is in. For many years I used the “lick and chew” indicator. However, there is one step further I go now. I watch for them to show a signs of relaxation, but I also watch their muzzle.

While studying some training/communication videos, I came across “Polyvagal Theory”. Stanley Rosenberg has a great deal to do with this field in his book, “Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve” https://www.amazon.com/Accessing-Healing-Power-Vagus-Nerve/dp/1623170249# . I recommend this book if you are like me, and want to learn about yourself as well as your horse.

In the video below, if you really watch the muzzle area, you will faintly see the nerve pulsing if they are still in the sympathetic, or heightened state. Parasympathetic is considered the “rest and digest” state. Below I have outlined the area to observe for the muzzle nerve pulses.

They can still lick their lips, and chew. However, as some people have noticed they can do the lick and chew while still stressed. A lick and chew gesture that is loud and grinding can still be an indication of stress. So I revert to having a 2-3 point check list before I process on to the next step of communication.

1-Has he/she licked their lips yet? 2-Has he/she taken a deep breath/sigh or a chew normally? and 3-Has the nerve in the muzzle stopped pulsing? Since adding this to my bag of tools I am getting better and better results that are long lasting.

Patience is key! The more you wait for them to mentally process what you are asking then the better they will understand the language you are speaking. I hope you give it a try the next time you feel frustrated, or confused by a lack of progress. As always…May the Lord Bless you and be with you on this wonderful adventure.-Annie 🙂