Kindness: Seeking the Real Cause of “Misbehavior” in Horses

The word “Kindness” has not been commonly associated with the training of horses. Kindness requires a level of understanding that I believe has been missing in the field of equine behavior. In the last decade there is so much more information available to give us a better understanding of horse behavior.

In 1975 I had an epiphany when I discovered the relationship between pain in a horse’s body and undesirable behavior. In the ensuing years it has become ever more apparent just how many different elements affect behavior. Teeth, hoof care, saddle fit, stress, fear, tight nosebands, brow bands or breastplates, nutrition, allergies, hormones, conformation, riding style, rider’s attitude, exercise, stabling, companionship, pain, stiffness and soreness all influence equine behavior. Unfortunately, more often than not, these causes of resistance are unrecognized or ignored. The term “horse whisperer” is so often heard, but I love my sister Robyn’s comment that it is time we learn to listen to the whispers of our horses. Horses whose “whispers” are ignored or misread are commonly labeled as being dominant, stubborn, spooky, nervous, lazy or are thought to have a “bad attitude.”

Linda's Tick Tip

I just finished a delightful week-long Companion Animal training in New Jersey with 22 enthusiastic participants from 11 states. We had lots of fascinating dogs and 2 kitties visiting us during the week. We spent some many delightful hours in the May sunshine on the grass and under the shade trees on the back lawn of the Grange working the dogs through the Playground for Higher Learning exercises – in the Labyrinth, over the balance beam and the star obstacle, over unusual footing, through cones and over ladders. It was very rich in learning experiences.

We had one little challenge, and I do mean little. The tiny deer ticks are out in full force this year in New Jersey – as well as Virginia where I had just been teaching. We made an announcement to watch for ticks for the enlightenment of participants who flew in from areas where ticks are not so prevalent.

Linda’s Tick Tip

I just finished a delightful week-long Companion Animal training in New Jersey with 22 enthusiastic participants from 11 states. We had lots of fascinating dogs and 2 kitties visiting us during the week. We spent some many delightful hours in the May sunshine on the grass and under the shade trees on the back lawn of the Grange working the dogs through the Playground for Higher Learning exercises – in the Labyrinth, over the balance beam and the star obstacle, over unusual footing, through cones and over ladders. It was very rich in learning experiences.

We had one little challenge, and I do mean little. The tiny deer ticks are out in full force this year in New Jersey – as well as Virginia where I had just been teaching. We made an announcement to watch for ticks for the enlightenment of participants who flew in from areas where ticks are not so prevalent.