ABSTRACT
Body English is based upon the natural movements and positions through which the dominant members of the herd control subordinates. One of the rewards for learning the equine language of movement is "free lounging." Free lounging works best in an enclosed area such as a breaking pen or round ring where the colt can be turned completely loose. By use of body English, the horse is asked to perform all the preliminary movements that form the foundation for his training. Learning body English begins with an understanding of the concept of personal space. The natural language of the horse, which body English imitates, is easily interpreted and most naive horses have very little trouble in decifering the messages given by a "two-legged horse." Free lounging helps to get the horse into condition to withstand further training and develops lines of communication between horse and trainer.
