04/09/2026
What to do when your horse does something you don’t want
When your horse does something you don’t it’s easy to be fixated on the what and how.
The what = the issue.
The how = how to fix it.
This means we’re approaching the problem usually with a correction or deterrent since the horse may literally have bolted.
Punishing your horse with discomfort or making whatever it is they’re doing more difficult might work temporarily but it’s important to realise that the effects are just that, temporary, inconsistent and unreliable and usually a band aid to a much deeper issue.
A much more efficient, longer lasting approach is addressing the frequently overlooked WHY.
Why = the cause of the issue.
This tells you everything you need to know to not only ‘fix’ it but avoid it reoccurring, you might also get a bonus of resolving other issues through the same work. Many birds, one stone.
But I get that looking into why might be challenging.
When we reprimand or deter, the responsibility lies with the horse to change something.
Understanding the why puts the responsibility on the us and involves up skilling, patience and dedication to the cause.
Most of my training efforts are placed into looking for the why and the results might be harder work or even slower but the faults return with interest, it’s rare I have to constantly fix the same issue plus I avoid other issues popping up.
It means my horses don’t have to be micro managed and my clients don’t need to learn 1,256 problem specific exercises, with deeper understanding they’re also often able to problem solve and resolve future issues on their own.
Let me help you work out the why this spring/summer … join me at one of my events! 🤗 check the comments!
