Being around horses & owners, I often see the problems that evolve when a horse starts learning bad habits. It is easier to teach good behavior; then break bad habits.
Often, owners don't recognize behaviors that turn in to these habits. For instance, when a horse comes in to your personal space and gets you to move out of the way. Some owners don't understand they have an area around them that a horse needs to stay out of, unless you invite them in. When the horse comes into that space and you take one step away, it signals the horse that it is in charge.
Horses are herd animals and naturally establish a pecking order so the herd runs smooth & orderly. Funny as it seems, when you & your horse start interacting with one another, the two of you, in the horse's eyes, become a herd. That is when the game of "who's the boss", begins or ends. If you establish that you are the boss and can move the horse's feet in any direction (forward, backward, left or right) while your feet stay in place, you are well on your way to a better relationship with your horse.
If you watch a herd, the lead (Alpha) horse, does not follow the herd, the herd follows it. The same holds true if you establish that you are the leader. Your horse will be a willing partner in your relationship. Horses don't mind where they are in the pecking order as long as it is established. Problems arise when the horse doesn't know it's place. Just look what goes on when a new horse is introduced into a herd. They all run around, sometimes biting & kicking until the order is re-established again and then life goes on.
Not knowing what to do when a horse seems to be running things can lead to frustration & anger. Anger is an emotion that cannot be involved in horsemanship. Anger can lead to "over correcting" and "souring" a horse's attitude. Once the attitude is soured, things can really spiral out of control. All of the good times you thought would come with the purchase of your horse can seem to be out of reach.
Let me show you how to gain the horse's respect & control you need. You will be amazed how much easier your horse will be to handle and enjoy.
If you own a foal, weanling, a horse ready to go under saddle for the first time, or one who is out of control; I can help. A 2006 study found that 70% of new horse owners sell their horses in the first year. Don't become one of those statistics. Don't sell - contact me.
|
