Horse World

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It is often seen on trail rides - an inexperienced or ill-mannered rider yelling, hitting or using too big of a bit in order to “control” the horse.

Punishment does not work on horses!

Horses simply do not understand the concept of punishment. Watch a crowd of horses, do you see any form of punishment going on when another horse gets in the way of another one, or nips another horse?

Horses simply do not punish when nipping, or overcrowding happens, they simply walk away.

When horses are not doing what humans expect them to, there be many reasons, most of which are traced back to human behavior.

The horse may have acted upon an unintentional direction from you, or you may have misdirected your aid or perhaps the rider just does not have the experience to control or give the right guidance to the horse.

A rider sends messages to the horse by way of posture, tone of voice and movement. An experienced rider will know how to give the right messages in order to control the horse and there is no need for hitting to do the controlling.

Tips to controlling your horse without physical punishment:

• Relax as you ride, your horse can sense if you are nervous or are tense.
• Go over your riding position to be sure that you are not clenching the horse with your heels, or yanking on his mouth, and also check to be sure the reins are not too high or too tight. Your horse can get confused or agitated if your position is not correct. This can be misinterpreted as misbehavior.
• If your horse becomes jumpy, try riding him in a figure eight.
• Look around at the environment to see if there is a reason for your horse’s misbehavior. Some horses react to storms, or loud noises. Are other horses crowding him?

Another reason a horse may misbehave centers on the tack. If the tack is worn out, too tight or too lose or if there are sharp objects embedded in the saddle or rough edges on the saddle your horse may be acting out of irritation. Is the girth rubbing him, too tight or too loose? Is the bit pinching his mouth?

Every horse has his own way of responding and may need different control tactics. Some horses need strong cues while others only require soft aids and seemingly respond to your thoughts.

If you cannot correct misbehavior by checking posture and tack then let your vet examine your horse to see if there is a medical or dental reason for his misbehavior.

Rider Tips:

Never ride in tennis shoes, always wear boots.

Gloves will give a better grip on the reins and use peacock (safety) stirrups and wear a helmet when riding.

All of these safety aids will make you more comfortable and perhaps less tense or nervous, which will put the horse at ease too.

Remember to move WITH your horse and not against him. Sway with the horse when riding.

Take the time to get to know an unfamiliar horse before mounting him.

Some horses will disrespect rider they do not know. There are many ways to get to know a horse like grooming him, or feeding him carrots. You can sit near him and pat him or just be there with him, so he can get used to you.

Getting angry at your horse will do no good and may injure the relationship you have with your horse.

If a horse is rearing, make sure that you ask an experienced rider to school a rearing horse so that the habit can be broken the correct way.

Replace any worn or broken tack immediately.

Previous Articles By This Author

• Buying Your First Horse
• Equipment for Horses
• Basics of Horse Care
• Grooming your Horse
• The History of Horses