We have seen those perfect partners. Having a willing horse partner is part of being a successful equestrian.

I often get asked, “why does my horse do that?”
And by “that” it could be pick up the wrong canter lead, step just far enough away from the mounting block, or nudge you with his nose.

My answer is usually, “BECAUSE YOU TRAINED HIM TO!”

Three tips to improve your partnership with your horse.

1. See your horse daily
   The No. 1 way to establish a close relationship with a horse is to spend time with

   

   him. It may mean brushing, riding or just hanging out.

2. Provide Consistent Leadership
   This goes hand in hand with number 1.
   It doesn’t matter what you are doing, just that you are there and interacting with him in a way that makes him feel secure and in a manner that reinforces you as his leader. This should not be interpreted as being harsh or punishing the horse but rather being in the horse’s presence and interacting with your horse in a way you provide security and show leadership to him. It really doesn’t matter what you are doing. What matters is you are there and make him feel content and secure.
   Horses, for their own safety and livelihood, have an instinctual ability to size up and test people. They will take advantage of people who allow little cracks in the armor to become naughty and spoilt at best and unmanageable at worst.
   Horses always look to the herd leader and test the herd leader to make sure they have the leadership qualities to keep them safe. This is  how horses establish their pecking order. This also happens between horses and people.
   For example, if you let a horse take a few steps as you mount, he is leading and you are following. You would like him to ‘stand’, and he would like to move forward. If you allow a horse step forward without a correction, he has established he is the leader and you are the follower. He has really established a pecking order above you.
3. Don’t always feed treats
   Horses are driven by their need for food, security and social status. Giving treats in moderation is fine, but go overboard with them and you will create a mouthy equine monster.

   

   I personally have a ‘no treat’ rule in my small, private stable. Only because I know hand fed horses usually begin to nip and route for treats rather than accepting a treat for  a ‘job well done’. This searching and rooting can become an ingrained habit and will have to be corrected.