A horse is just like a human being in many ways. They both can experience pain, pleasure, and contentment. The ways in which they differ is not insignificant, however. Horses can see the world around them very differently. Remember that horses are much more of a herd animal than a unicorn with wings and a lofty purposes. A horse is a horse, after all. When handling any horse, remember to gauge his behavior by horse standards, not human behaviors. Therefore:

Treat your horse fairly. Among the worst approaches to interacting with horses is a lack of fairness in handling the animal. You must not expect the horse to know what you want or when you want it. It takes time. Give a new horse a chance to learn new behaviors, and give experienced horses the chance to maneuver differently. Horses can read emotions very well, but cannot guess what you are thinking. If you are a good employee, but have a new boss with whom you have never worked, would you want to be given a chance to adjust to new circumstances and demands? To develop trust from your horse, please remember to be fair.

Learn to be patient. Some horses can have attitudes like people. Some horses are like one thousand pound toddlers, and like to test your patience and mettle. Some bright horses may even do things purposely to annoy and try you. So although many horses are quick to learn, we humans have been known to be short on patience when dealing with a horse. In time, they will come along to your preferred behaviors. Hang in there.

Be consistent. Consistency is key in any dealing with an animal. If you want stillness in your horse as you attempt to mount, be sure he understands your desire, and gently insist on it every time. Never let your horse walk off when he feels like it. You may teach him that you do not mean what you say and appear to want. Insist upon the result you require each and every time. Horses, like people, are usually good at reading body language and tapping in to your attitude. Send him the right signal consistently.

Be confident around your horse. A horse is easy and quick to pick up on any apprehension and fear you may feel. You want to establish yourself to the horse as its herd leader. If you fail, your intelligent horse may feel the need to take that lead away from you.

Move slowly. Horses are easily to disturb by quick, sudden motions. Waving arms can especially alarm the animal. Move slowly when dealing with a horse, and speak softly as you approach a strange or new horse, especially when you need to approach him from behind his ability to notice you.

Avoid loud noises. Yelling or loud screams of children are sure ways to upset a new horse. If you must use a louder than normal volume of voice, reserve it for correcting the behavior of the horse. A brief, louder “Hey!” or “Quit!” is all it should take to get the horse’s attention. Otherwise, use a gentle, soothing voice when riding or working near a horse.

Try not to ride or handle your horse when you are angry. To protect your horse (and sometimes your investment), avoid your horse if it is a very bad day for you. True, spending time with your horse can really turn a bad day around, yet some horses know how to push your buttons, and make a bad day worse. It is easy to let your anger find its way through your motions around the horse, but they never deserve to receive the brunt of your anger.

Try to maintain a positive attitude. Lots of horse owners think horses are emotionally psychic, and can read our minds. Actually, I would like to limit that belief to reading human emotions. If you are afraid your horse will spook, he may well do just that from feeling your lack of confidence. It does not matter if your horse reads your emotions or is just adept at reading body language. Thinking positively and acting with ease and confidence will help you to visualize the kind of success you wish to have in your riding experience.

Author: Tanya Vorgan
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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