Yes, timing is critical for the horse. The quicker we reward a change, the faster the horse learns.

@David Hi David, Thanks for joining in. I'm sure Leslie will come in with a more in depth answer, but in my experience, feel involves all the subtle sensitivities of the horse. They are reading our intentions, emotions, posture, weight distribution, line of sight, energy level, and directions, and trying to figure out what we are asking. Their cooperative nature and curiosity compel them to try to comply. I have found that experimentation and careful observations of the horses' feelings and reactions on my part are the best learning tools.

"Anytime you run into something that bothers a horse, why you welcome that. There's an opportunity there for that horse to learn about the basics." P.277 In my work with many rescue horses, I have found that when a horse first realizes that you are trying to communicate with feel, they will respond quite quickly. Many rescue horses have been abused, poorly trained, or neglected and have developed behaviors to protect themselves that are dangerous or undesirable to humans. When they sense a confident, understanding, and clear communication from a human, often for the first time in their lives, It draws their curiosity and interest. Going back to the most basic communication establishes rapport with the horse. Asking for one step forward or back, leading without pulling, flowing from leading to sending, moving with the horse when they need to move, and other slow basic movements create sureness and peace of mind for the horse. "This approach will fix any horse or any human being with his horse. It will fix them." So far I have found this to be an "actual fact"