Pushy Disrespectful Behavior in Horses and What to Do About It

Pushy Disrespectful Behavior in Horses: A Comprehensive Guide includes behavior like turning their back, not responding to commands, or more aggressive actions like biting or kicking. These behaviors often stem from a lack of respect for the handler as an authority figure, or from previous experiences where such behavior was inadvertently rewarded.

Today, we’re going to delve into common issues many horse owners and trainers encounter with pushy and disrespectful behavior in horses, particularly in a stall environment. I’ll be using the example of Brandi, a 15-year-old Haflinger mare, to illustrate our points. Brandi was recently sent to me for training to correct these behaviors. This will be an insightful journey, as we start from the initial assessment and work through the process of addressing these behaviors.

Understanding the Behavior

Initial Assessment

As I begin working with Brandi, the first step is to assess her behavior in the stall. It’s important to note her reactions to my presence and commands. Is she attentive or dismissive? Does she show signs of aggression or simply a lack of respect? These initial observations are crucial in determining my approach.

Addressing Pushy Disrespectful Behavior in Horses

1. Establishing Authority: The key is to assert myself as the leader calmly and assertively. This doesn’t mean being aggressive, but rather being firm and consistent. For instance, if Brandi turns her back to me, I apply pressure to her hindquarters to encourage her to face me. If she pins her ears at me I have her move her feet. This is a way of saying, “I’m in charge here, and I need your attention.” The article, Leading the Horse: Establishing Respect and Authority, will help you with exercises to establish this authority.
2. Reward and Consequence: I use a system of rewards and consequences. When Brandi shows the desired behavior, like facing me or calmly accepting a halter, she receives positive reinforcement – a pat or a kind word. Conversely, if she displays undesirable behavior, like turning her back, pushing into my space, or pinning her ears, she faces a consequence, such as being made to move her feet. The article, The Comprehensive Guide to Ground Driving: From Basics to Advanced Techniques, will guide you through this phase.
3. Consistency: It’s essential to be consistent in my responses. Horses learn from repetition, and inconsistent handling can lead to confusion and reinforce bad behaviors.
4. Safety: Always prioritize safety. If at any point the behavior escalates to dangerous levels, it’s important to reassess and possibly seek professional help. You can get professional help from Tim Anderson Horse Training with a Personal Virtual Lesson. These lessons are easy and Tim will give you specific instructions on what to do with your horse.

Pros and Cons of This Approach

• Pros:
  • Establishes clear boundaries and expectations for the horse.
  • Builds a respectful relationship between horse and handler.
  • Will lead to improved behavior not just in the stall but in other handling situations.
• Cons:
  • Requires patience and consistency, which can be challenging.
  • There’s a risk of misinterpreting the horse’s behavior and responding inappropriately.
  • In cases of deeply ingrained behaviors, progress can be slow and may require professional intervention.

When, Why, and How to Implement These Strategies

• When: These strategies should be implemented as soon as disrespectful behavior is observed. Early intervention prevents the establishment of bad habits. The video, Ground work for respect, will show you lunging exercises that are helpful if the disrespectful behavior is more advanced.
• Why: Addressing these behaviors is crucial for safety and for establishing a healthy, respectful relationship between horse and handler.
• How: Start with assessing the behavior, then apply consistent, firm, and fair responses to encourage respect and attention.

Conclusion and Further Resources

In conclusion, pushy and disrespectful behavior that has manifested in turning their back, not responding to commands, or even more aggressive actions like biting or kicking, requires patience, consistency, and a clear understanding of equine behavior. Remember, each horse is an individual, and what works for one may not work for another. You can watch the videos of me working with Brandi on Youtube.

If you need professional help with your horse, you might consider an Equestrian Virtual Lesson. This is a great way to get a private lesson from Tim Anderson. My horse training journey has brought me from winning world titles to now trying to make every horse the best they can be and to help you improve your equestrian knowledge. I hope this guide has been informative and helpful in your journey with horses. Stay safe and happy training!