Dealing with So-Called Problem Horses
By Caryn A. Tate
Most people who have horses have probably at one time or another felt that they had one who is so difficult, so wild, so bad-mannered, that they wonder if they should bother with the horse. I think most of us can relate to that. But are there really horses that are problems in and of themselves? You've probably also heard that "there are no problem horses, only problem riders." Which is correct?
I won't say what is correct for everybody, but personally I subscribe more readily to the second idea. Most horses, just like people, who have issues and are difficult to handle and/or get along with, are that way because of their environment. Whether or not it was intentional, I do think that usually when a horse is difficult it's because of his human contact up until that point.
In fact, often it is unintentional that we can negatively affect a horse and his behavior. Let's focus on that, because intentionally influencing a horse in a negative manner is obviously wrong, and the obvious solution is to stop. But a specific example of the unintentional that immediately comes to my mind is when people spoil their horses; by that, I mean that when a horse does something wrong, and he knows it's wrong, his trainer does nothing (or even rewards him). Unfortunately this can be a difficult cycle to break out of; but with a little effort, you'll find that it's not as hard as you originally thought it might be.
Sometimes riders will unwittingly reward their horse for wrong behavior. We might do it by babying him or petting him just after he's done something he knows is wrong. Or, for example, if you've just ridden your horse and are turning him out after unsaddling, he does something wrong, and then you just go ahead and let him go out to pasture, that's a definite reward. Once we do things like this, the horse immediately thinks that it's OK to do that, and if he can get away with that, maybe he can get away with more...and then it can go on and on.
Of course I think we all have had times when we let a horse get away with something. No one is perfect. But the problem only really arises when we don't correct it when the horse tries it again. Once the problem has gotten so bad that the horse doesn't even think about doing that wrong thing, once he's just taking it for granted, then you know it's been allowed to go on for a while, and it will take more time to correct.
The main thing to focus on in correcting your horse and turning his negative attitude around is to spend time with him and think about him and what you want him to learn. In everything you do with him, stop and think, What do I want him to get out of this? Keep putting in the time and effort, and heap a good bit of patience into the mix, and before long your horse will understand and respect you for your diligence. Your reward for the work put in will be worth it, and it will help you to avoid doing the same thing in the future!
About the Author:
I have lived around and worked with horses my entire life, and learned how to ride when I was a small child. Riding and training horses are great loves of mine, and I enjoy helping other people overcome training issues with their horses. I love working with horses and developing relationships with them, as well as talking about them with other people who are as passionate about the subject as I am.
Caryn may be contacted by email at scribe_79@yahoo.com.
Article courtesy of Suite101.com.
