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.” (more…)