Real Reason Horses Behave Badly

When Horses Become Frustrating, Frightening And Dangerous

It can be frustrating, frightening and even a danger to you, your horse and others around you when your horse behaves badly.

Unfortunately, it’s far too common to simply lay the blame on the horse when he behaves in a way we don’t like and call him lazy, stubborn or disrespectful. But, there really is a good reason for your horse’s undesirable behaviour.

The experience one of my clients had is an example the illustrates the importance of getting to the root cause of the behaviour and then finding the best solution to resolve it.

There are times that I really don't like it when I'm right

Honestly.

Like the day I received this text message from my client:

"Bad news from our veterinarian. Thinks she can get Trixie through another "light working" season while we find a new riding horse. Means regular exercise, shoes, drugs, ointments and permanent grazing muzzle. Thx for recognizing how serious things had become for Trixie. We are pretty sad about it."

I felt sad. For my client and for her mare.

The problem started several months earlier. Trixie showed some dramatic behavior that was quite out of the ordinary for her. She was reluctant to go forward when being lunged. Then, she did, she would have histrionics! She would strike out and buck.

Some people might have assumed she was trying to “get out of working”, being "disrespectful" or having a "temper tantrum".

Phrases heard all too often in the horse world.

If I that had been my perspective, I would have picked up a whip and "made her" work, got her to “move her feet” or not let her stop moving until her saddle pad was soaked with sweat.

But, that’s not what I did. Nor would I ever work with a horse in that way. I have a different perspective.

With A Different Perspective

I explained to my client that I was concerned about a physical cause being behind this new behaviour.

We felt her feet and legs, but found no heat, swelling or obvious sign trouble. I palpated her back and noticed that she reacted to light pressure above her shoulder. Since, she had recently had a new saddle professionally fitted, I took poor saddle fit off the list of possibilities.

I recommended that my client schedule an appointment for her mare with an equine massage therapist. During the consultation, the therapist did confirm that Trixie’s shoulder was sore. AND, she diagnosed the root cause of that soreness as a foot problem.

The next step was having a thorough examination by the veterinarian. She confirmed that there was a minor problem with the front foot which had indeed caused the shoulder soreness.

But, she also identified that there was also a much more serious problem. Trixie’s hind leg suspensory ligaments were degenerating and would get worse over time.

As you can imagine, this was not good news. But the veterinarian advised that, with the right care, the mare might remain comfortable and sound enough for light riding for one or two more years.

She recommended a farrier who is experienced with this type of problem. With regular hoof trims, hind shoes to give support, anti-inflammatory drugs, and a change to her diet.

My client followed her veterinarian's advice closely. In a short while, Trixie showed improvement.

Trixie had some time off and we were just getting back to working her lightly after that break.

She lunged at the walk very nicely. But, when I asked her to trot she showed resistance. There was no dramatic behaviour this time. She just didn't want to trot. When she did, she trotted a few steps half-heartedly and then returned to walking.

Again, there were no obvious signs of a physical problem. Her legs were cool and tight. But, I stopped the session and suggested that my client have her veterinarian re-assess Trixie.

The text I mentioned earlier came right after the vet has seen Trixie.

Fortunately, my client has her own little hobby farm. That means she can continue to keep Trixie as a pasture ornament as long as she stays comfortable. They can still enjoy each other’s company - just hanging out, hand grazing and grooming.

Always Listen To Your Horse's Behaviour

Here's what I’d like for you to take away from my client's experience ... listen to your horse's behaviour.

Really, really listen. Because it's the only way your horse has of communicating with you.

Your horse’s behaviour IS her communication.

Avoid labeling the behaviour with statements like:

• she's just "being stubborn",
• he’s "having a temper tantrum"
• she’s only “trying to get out of work",
• he’s just "doing it to annoy me",
• she "has my number"
• he’s "being disrespectful"
• she’s “trying to dominate me”

Listen. Look deeper. Find the underlying cause.

It may not be something physical (but that should always be eliminated first).

It may be a miscommunication (no, she doesn't always know or understand what you want even if she has done what you're asking for 100 times before).

It may be she's been upset and stressed out by any number of things - another horse, the weather, a change in feed, a change in environment, the vaccinations she got yesterday ...

When you look more deeply and search for the root cause of the problem, then you can come up with the best way to move forward. A way that helps you and your horse both feel

Calm, Confident and Connected.