Ep 49: Working with Young Horses Safely
It can be easy to get caught up with our performance and to forget about the fundamental things we must do to keep ourselves, our horses, and those around us safe. In any discipline of training, safety has to be the number one priority.
If you are dealing with horses, it is inevitable that you will encounter a scary situation at some point. If you find yourself in a situation you are uncomfortable with, don’t just hope you can get by it. Ask for help. There is no shame in getting help or taking more time than you expected to get to a certain level in your training.
When working with young horses, in particular, it is important to understand why horses respond reactively to certain situations so that you can adjust your training to keep yourself safe.
How the Horse’s Mind Processes Danger
A horse’s reactive state of mind functions differently than a human’s. Humans recognize a threat, process that threat, then react accordingly. Horses, on the other hand, go straight from recognizing the threat to reacting. It is not in their nature to take the time to assess the threat at hand. For this reason, we have to work extra hard to help our horses stay in the ‘thinking’ state of mind rather than the ‘reacting’ state of mind.
Thinking vs. Reacting
There are many things you can do to help your horse get in the habit of using the thinking side of its brain. Aside from things you do while riding, be mindful of your actions throughout the day. A horse’s environment can be just as powerful at desensitizing as your actions can be. Consider factors like: what is around them while they are tied up, what the noises they’re exposed to, if there are other horses or distractions around. All of these factors can trigger a response in a horse, but over time, horses will learn to become more comfortable in those environments.
Maintaining a Safe Distance from Your Horse
Horses are herd animals, so when they sense danger, they will try to move closer to their herds. If you are in the round pen alone with your horse, you are the herd; so, you have to be very cautious and aware of your horse’s reactions to protect yourself. Respect that animal, and put yourself in a safe position.
Awareness of Your Horse’s Thought Process
Be aware of your horse’s mannerisms right now. Read that horse’s responses and reactions in the present. Do not rely on your understanding of how they were yesterday or when they showed up, but instead, how they are behaving right now. Always pay attention and listen to what is going on inside that horse’s mind.
Learn more about the colt starting methods discussed in this episode in Phil’s signature Foundation and Fundamentals Colt Starting course.
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