A "horse whisperer" is a person who specializes in understanding and communicating with horses using gentle techniques. They often rely on body language, voice, and subtle cues to build trust and rapport with the animal. This approach helps to address behavioral issues and improve the horse's overall well-being. The term gained popularity from the book and film titled The Horse Whisperer, which tells the story of a trainer who uses his unique skills to help a troubled horse and its rider. Horse whisperers often emphasize the importance of patience and empathy in their training methods.