I hate to state the obvious, but the title statement can sometimes be forgotten, or the implications underestimated in today’s world of horsemanship.

If a horse bolts out of sheer terror, it is unlikely to be able to protect itself. The flight instinct in this instance, seems to override all other sense of self-preservation. For instance, if it is galloping towards an obstruction such as a high hedge or even a brick wall and there is no other obvious route around the obstruction, the terrified horse is quite likely to either run straight into it, or try to jump it. Both of these options can have a devastating or even fatal effect for the horse and the unfortunate rider, if it is carrying one. The terrified horse can see no other option but to carry on in its flight, come what may, even running headlong into oncoming traffic, to avoid what it perceives as a more terrifying threat behind it.

If a horse bolts with a rider aboard out of sheer exuberance or naughtiness, it is not subject to this type of blind panic and is far more likely to take care of itself and its rider. If it comes towards a brick wall it will stop or swerve to avoid it. This may unseat the rider but it is far less potentially fatal than the first scenario.

Knowing all of this is all very well, but what do we do to avoid these situations? Well, obviously the basis of cure or prevention in both scenarios lies in the training of the horse. Of course the possibility of the poor horse suffering from some kind of mental or physical disorder and/or pain, must first be thoroughly examined (possibly by more than one expert) and eliminated before embarking upon re-training.

Assuming that a physical or actual mental illness problem has been ruled out, then in my opinion the way to go about effecting an improvement in behaviour in both these cases is similar, but not exactly the same. However, the root of the problem may lie in the same area, i.e. the horse lacks trust and respect in the rider/handler. This is where I think that a lot of people go wrong nowadays in not giving their horses proper ‘leadership’. Without a herd leader most horses feel insecure and therefore can never be completely happy. In a wild herd situation most horses are not born leaders. We need to show them that we are trustworthy leaders, whose instructions should be followed, in their own best interests. This does not mean bullying the horse, but it does mean showing a certain amount of kindly domination. I know that this word ‘domination’ is often frowned upon nowadays, but I believe that this is why there seem to be more unhappy, insecure and unruly horses than was the case a decade or so ago.

In the case of the genuinely frightened horse, much time and patience needs to be used. Firstly a bond of trust needs to be established between the horse and trainer. There are various ways of doing this, but the traditional method may be the most practical for the everyday rider/trainer. This method may take months, or in some cases even years, depending on the depth of distrust and nervousness of the horse. Basically the trainer must spend time with the horse, grooming and stroking and generally handling the animal. One very important aspect, which is often ignored in today’s attitude towards horsemanship, is the importance of routine. A routine, which may seem boring to us, will be like manna from Heaven to a nervous horse. Feeding and turning the horse out at the same time every day, then bringing into the stable at the same time. Good stable care is in my opinion at the core of good horsemanship. A horse should look forward to its time in the stable. The stable should be a place where he receives not only physical comfort of food, warmth, good bed, water, etc., but be a place where he also receives the comforting attention of his human, whom he then comes to see as a bringer of comfort and protection. This word ‘protection’ is also imperative. That is what every horse needs – protection from fear and pain. That is what they are looking for in the wild in their herd leaders. I believe that it is far more important to them than the current trend of thinking that freedom is the all-important thing to horses. I know that there are those who will disagree with me and say that horses can never be happy in stables, but I sincerely believe that the opposite is true. They do need turn-out and/or exercise, but not necessarily all of the time. Of course there are horses who are unhappy in stables, but this is because of bad care or other problems in their lives, just as there are horses who are extremely unhappy in fields.

Once a bond of trust has been established with a horse, then the trainer can start to ask a little more from the horse, but there must be a firm insistence that the horse complies. It is no good taking a ‘namby pamby’ attitude towards a nervous horse, that will only make him feel more nervous and vulnerable, he needs his trainer to be patient but firm, so that he has no need to be afraid.

Obviously there should be a difference in approach towards the training of a nervous horse to that of a naughty horse, but the difference can sometimes be a subtle one. The nervous horse can be given more leeway for mistakes without admonishment, but it must be clear to him that there is a line beyond which he must not cross. If a trusting bond has been established he will know that the trainer has his best interests at heart and his desire for protection will make him want to obey. The line may be drawn in a different place in the case of a naughty horse, but both need firm, caring leadership. No horse should ever be physically beaten but there are ways of discreetly, gradually and kindly getting the horse to comply and actually wanting to comply with the trainer’s wishes. It all takes time and loads of patience but it will be well worth it in the end, and hopefully the word will be a safer and happier place for horses and people.

© Anne Wilson 2004

Anne Wilson is a classical riding trainer and an author.

To read the review of her latest book ‘Top Horse Training Methods Explained’ please click here

© Sue Wingate - The Joy of Horses 2004