19/08/2024
CAN YOU FORCE A HORSE TO DO SOMETHING THEY DON’T WANT TO?
There's a common belief among some horse owners that "if a horse didn't want to do something, they wouldn't do it." This idea often arises in response to videos where horses display signs of stress – like rushing, nipping, fidgeting, or showing the whites of their eyes – for example when they are asked to jump, load, stand still, or hack out alone. However, this notion oversimplifies the reality.
It is actually very easy to make a horse do something they don't want to do. Horses, by nature, are incredibly tolerant and often comply with what we ask of them, even when they are uncomfortable or afraid. This is why it's crucial for us as handlers to recognise both the subtle and obvious signs of stress or fear in our horses. Just because a horse does what we ask doesn’t mean they are comfortable with it or that they aren’t being coerced in some way.
A horse's response to a situation is influenced in part by their past experiences. For instance, a horse that was frightened during their first clipping session might have been restrained with a twitch or pressure halter for fidgeting or trying to escape. The fear of pain can then override their initial fear of the clippers, causing them to freeze and stand still. Sadly, this is a common method of training, where pressure is applied to force the horse to comply, rather than teaching them gradually and rewarding relaxed behaviour.
Forcing a horse to comply doesn't eliminate their fears; it just adds new ones – which could be of the halter, the handler, and even the environment where the clipping occurred. The horse may learn that trying to escape leads to more pain, eventually leading to learned helplessness, where they no longer attempt to avoid stressful situations.
As humans, we understand that adding pain or fear to an already frightening situation doesn’t resolve our fears, so why would it be different for horses? Recognising the early signs of fear, stress, anxiety, or discomfort in your horse is vital. These can include raised head and neck, tail swishing, pawing, shying, whinnying, increased oral behaviours increased oral behaviours (eg. mouthing the leadrope when led), the four Fs (flight, fight, freeze, fidget), tension in facial muscles, change in the shape of the eye, or an inability to concentrate.
If your horse starts to perform an unusual behaviour, pay attention! Does the behaviour stop when you stop a certain action, and resume when you start again? Observing these patterns can provide valuable insight.
We should also consider whether what we ask is right for them or not. Training is a necessity, not a luxury, and we must ensure our horses are confident and prepared for the things we ask them to do, without expecting too much.
If your horse's behaviour changes suddenly, always consult a vet. If no physical issues are found, a certified behaviour consultant can help you address the underlying causes.