Training Tip: Be a Leader Your Horse Trusts

I don’t mind if my horse gets frightened. What I do mind is when he gets frightened and then takes matters into his own hands. Instead of bolting, bucking or rearing, you want your horse to look to you for guidance. Prove to him that every time he gets worried, panicked and uses the reactive side of his brain, you’re not going to hurt him. Instead, he can turn to you and you’ll help him survive the experience. You’re going to take control of the situation by moving his feet forwards, backwards, left and right until he calms down and starts to use the thinking side of his brain. Every time you take control, the horse builds confidence in you as a leader. If you punish him for being reactive, he’ll get defensive, more frightened and lose confidence in you as a leader. Remember that the more you practice gaining control of the horse’s feet and rewarding the slightest try, the bigger the thinking side of his brain will get and the less he’ll use the reactive side.