Retreat, retreat, retreat: Predators typically travel in straight lines and approach what they want directly - consider a lion stalking its prey. When we walk directly up to whatever we are wanting our horse to be curious about, their confidence and trust in us gets squelched. How can a prey animal trust actions that speak of a predatory nature? Instead of approaching the object you desire your horse to interact with, retreat from it instead. This will increase your horse's confidence and give rise to his curiosity.
For example, rather than walking directly up to a tarp on the ground, walk by it, around it, and away from it many times, until your horse begins to show signs of curiosity. You may then allow the horse to smell the tarp or interact with it as he pleases, but do not stay too long, rather, retreat again. Your commitment to repeated retreats from the object, in this case, the tarp, will assure your horse that you are there to support him and not to make him do something.
Patience is the key: Underneath their initial skepticism, the horse truly is a curious and gregarious creature, but those qualities may only be exhibited when the horse feels confident. The true test of partnership with a horse is not when we can make our horse do something, but when, out of trust and respect, they want to do things for us and with us. This requires patience and the willingness to slow down and simply observe. Resist your predatory temptation to always be doing, and instead try just being alongside your horse. You will be amazed at the curious and confident horse that is then able to shine through.
It is a praiseworthy gift to the horse that you would take the time to learn how to speak their language. We will continue our study of horse psychology and behavior in the following weeks. I can assure you that every moment you spend delving into a deeper understanding of the horse, will lead to moments of great reward and deep connection with the magnificent animals.
About the author: Emily Johnson, owner of Mountain Rose Horsemanship Training, LLC, located in Broomfield, Colorado, is an accomplished horse professional with a passion for bringing horses and humans together through credible and approachable instruction.
Emily studied Equine Science at Colorado State University before spending the following years traveling, mentoring under many accomplished trainers nationwide, as she developed her own natural horsemanship style. Her training methods utilize a direct approach the horse naturally understands, which she combines with her knowledge of human learning to create the most effective environment for both.
Emily specializes in areas that include young or troubled horses, as well as horsemanship that emphasize the mind and behavior of the horse. Her instruction reflects her passion for equipping both horses and humans for success on their journey toward partnership. She may be contacted at mountainrosetraining@gmail.com.
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