Natural Horsemanship is a term that has arisen to describe training techniques that focus on using the horse’s own methods of communication to interact with the horse. As a contrast, traditional training involves trying to teach the horse to interpret the human language. The goal of these techniques is to produce horses which are both mentally and physically balanced, and do not block the rider’s intent. Key points are: 
* Communicating through non-violent methods 
* Using the horse’s own language (Behavior, Instincts, Personality) 
* Training with a pressure / release reward system 
* Training from the ground 
* Consistent setting of boundaries and acceptable behaviors 
* Techniques to solve behavioral problems Using the horse’s own language (Behavior, Instincts, Personality) 
The horse has a highly developed communication system primarily expressed through body language. It’s use of gestures such as head and ear position, speed and direction of movement, baring of teeth, licking and chewing, speaks volumes to those who are attuned to it. Most humans without proper training do not know how to interpret this language and as a result ignore it. Pressure / release reward system The concept of pressure / release is not unique to Natural Horsemanship, as other disciplines also use it. For example aids such as leg, spur, crop (when used appropriately) also provide pressure and release. However what Natural Horsemanship adds is using body language based on the horse’s own language to add pressure at the appropriate time and from the appropriate position to gain a faster learning response. Training from the Ground Establishing a Leader / Follower relationship from the ground is much more effective than struggling to dominate from the saddle. Additionally this is an ideal position from which to teach the horse to yield to pressure instead of the horse’s instinctual response of pulling against pressure. Ground training creates a base that can then be further developed in the saddle. Consistent setting of boundaries and acceptable behaviors Respect your space – not to step on your feet, crowd, shove, or tow you around. To move when you move and stop when you stop. Techniques to solve behavioral problems All of these things are combined to solve problems such as trailer loading, crossing of obstacles, and spooking.