01/03/2025
đ¨ Just Because It Works Doesnât Mean Itâs Right đ¨
Horse training has come a long way, but thereâs still a deep-rooted problem in the way many people approach it.
For generations, weâve been told that horses must respect us. That we need to establish dominance. That if a horse doesnât respond, we must make them. And the truth isâthese methods work...
If you apply enough pressure, a horse will comply.
If you punish unwanted behaviors, they will stop.
If you restrict their movement, they will submit.
â But just because something works doesnât mean itâs right. â
And thatâs not an attack on individualsâitâs a systemic issue.
Most people donât use outdated or harmful training methods because they want to hurt horses. They use them because theyâve been taught thatâs the correct way. Theyâve watched respected trainers, competitors, and mentors do the same. Itâs what theyâve always known.
And thatâs the real dangerâwhen a method becomes so normal that no one questions it.
đ§ Is Positive Reinforcement the Answer?
In response to traditional training, many turn to positive reinforcementârewarding the horse when they do the right thing, rather than applying pressure until they comply.
This method has undeniable benefits. Horses trained with positive reinforcement often show greater enthusiasm, confidence, and engagement. Science backs this upâreward-based learning can improve a horseâs emotional state and willingness to participate.
đ¤ But is it the only way? No.
â ď¸ Exclusively using positive reinforcement has its own limitations.
Research into training wild animals, including large predators and prey animals like horses, has shown that relying only on positive reinforcement can fail to set clear boundaries. In some cases, it can even create dangerous situations.
Why? Because animalsâespecially large, powerful ones like horsesâneed structure as well as reward.
đŹ If training is based entirely on treats, withholding food until the horse does the right thing can turn into bribery rather than communication. It can lead to frustration, anxiety, and behaviors like mugging, pushiness, or even aggression.
And in moments of stressâwhen thereâs no treat to guide themâhorses trained only through rewards may struggle to cope. They havenât learned how to handle pressure, how to process their emotions, or how to navigate challenges without immediate gratification.
đ´ The Truth Lies in the Middle: Genuine Relationships
So, whatâs the answer?
The best training isnât about dominance. It isnât about bribery. Itâs about building a genuine relationship.
Think about a healthy human relationship. Itâs built on trust, love, and respectâbut also healthy boundaries. You wouldnât force your best friend into obedience, but you also wouldnât let them walk all over you.
Horses are no different.
đ In a herd, horses donât rule through dictatorship, but they also donât just ignore each otherâs actions. They set boundaries. They communicate clearly. They lead and follow based on trust, not fear.
A good horse-human relationship mirrors that natural balance.
đ Trustâbuilt through fair, clear, and consistent communication.
đ¤ Respectâearned, not demanded, through understanding and connection.
đ§ Boundariesâset with fairness, not force, so both horse and human feel safe.
A horse shouldnât be trained through intimidation. But they also shouldnât be left without structure and guidance. They thrive when they know what to expectâwhen they have a leader who is both kind and confident.
đ So instead of asking, "Should I use pressure or rewards?" ask yourself, "How can I build a relationship my horse trusts?"
Because the best trainers arenât dictators or treat dispensers. They are leaders, teachers, and partners.
đ What do you think? Have you found a balance in your training approach? Letâs start a conversationâdrop your thoughts below! đ
Equine Touch Practitioner
