I have found one of the biggest problems in horse to human interaction is fear. One of the worst combinations is fear of horse spooking as this involves not only fear in the horse, but combines the fear of the rider as well. Whether it be a fearful horse, a fearful owner or fear in both horse and rider, the neat thing about horses is they react very similar to humans. All the same, if we address the problem of fear, horse or rider, in a systematic way we can develop a trusting and confident partnership.
Fear of Horse Spooking
Fear of Horse Spooking
You may say, “I don’t have a fear of horse spooking. In fact, my horse isn’t fearful, he just bucks when you ask him to lope with the saddle and/or rider.” In most cases, the horse is afraid to some extent. He is uncertain what to do so he regresses to his survival techniques or the fight/flight response. He is afraid of or stressed about something linked with the saddle so, he wants to get away from the saddle. On the other hand, “My horse isn’t fearful at all. In fact, he is dangerously aggressive.” Again, the horse is reacting to instinct that tells him when afraid, confused, or uncertain, fight. How about, “Well, my horse is perfect on trail and when handled on the ground. He just does not like you to pick up his feet, or take his temperature, or clean his sheath/her udder, or….. How about, “He’s not afraid, he just crowds me when you lead him, or clean his stall, or brush him, or….. While we can see the first statement could stem from fear, we are invading personal areas, the second points to fear or uncertainty in the handler. In this case, the horse has taken over the leadership vacancy. How? The lead horses’ space is sacred ground and it is not entered without invitation.
When a horse is exhibiting unwanted behavior, they are not calm and relaxed. There is tension somewhere in their body. Horses respond to tension in a negative way as we do. They want it gone so they locate the source (usually us) and have two options, fight for survival or run for their life. Both options usually find us in a pile somewhere broken or bruised. Now we add another dimension to the relationship, herd instincts or the horses’ need for a leader. If you do not take the position, they will. They must have a leader even in a two party herd. A good leader should be confident, a bit assertive, and have the herds best interest in mind at all times. Funny thing is, most horses have little desire to take up the helm of responsibility. However, their need for a leader demands they step up if no one else does. Now imagine a highly fearful leader who lacks confidence and clear thinking coupled with a fearful and uncertain rider and BAMM! Not good chemistry.
So we have stated the obvious, now what do we do? We work on fear control for the horse and if necessary, the rider. For both we work on exercises that can be easily accomplished to start the building of confidence. For the horse, we use lessons that systematically replace the flight/fight response with a more desirable response, self-control that is the vehicle for building the horses’ confidence. For the rider, we work on lessons with the horse that give the rider confidence through control as most riders’ fear comes from not knowing what to do and when to do it. Knowing how to ask the horse to do something and have the horse respond, not react, is a real confidence boost for both horse and rider. Fear is gradually replaced with confidence, confidence builds trust, and as confidence and trust is built up, a solid partnership will emerge. You will be a team working together without fear or self-preservation and thriving on mutual respect.
