Every horse has its own personality, and with that comes a unique set of challenges. Whether your horse is fearful, aggressive, or simply difficult to control, natural horsemanship offers solutions that work with the horse’s instincts, rather than against them. Rooted in understanding how horses communicate, natural horsemanship techniques allow riders and trainers to develop a harmonious relationship with their horses—one built on trust, respect, and communication.
In this guide, we’ll explore several natural horsemanship methods designed to help you overcome problem behaviors and build a better relationship with your horse.
What is Natural Horsemanship?
Natural horsemanship is a training philosophy that focuses on working with the horse’s natural instincts and behaviors, rather than trying to force them into submission. The idea is to communicate with the horse in a way that they understand, using body language, energy, and subtle cues.
Unlike traditional methods that may rely on harsh techniques like the use of bits or punishment, natural horsemanship emphasizes patience, consistency, and a deep understanding of horse psychology. The ultimate goal is to build a mutually respectful partnership.
Common Problem Behaviors in Horses
Before diving into specific techniques, let’s identify some common behaviors that often require attention in horses:
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Fear and anxiety (spooking, shying away from objects)
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Aggression (bucking, biting, kicking)
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Poor ground manners (dragging, not leading properly)
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Lack of respect (invading personal space, ignoring commands)
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Separation anxiety (acting out when isolated from other horses)
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Difficulty with loading or trailer anxiety
Each of these behaviors can be addressed effectively using natural horsemanship techniques, which are focused on communication, respect, and understanding.
1. Building Trust Through Leadership
The cornerstone of natural horsemanship is establishing trust and respect between you and your horse. If your horse is nervous or disobedient, it may be because they don’t trust you fully as their leader.
What to Do:
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Be calm and assertive: Horses respond to energy. To be an effective leader, you must be confident and calm. Show your horse you are in control, but never use fear or harshness.
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Body language is key: Horses are very attuned to body language. Make sure your body language is clear and consistent. Stand tall and confident. Use your posture to communicate authority, but be mindful not to appear threatening.
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Consistent routines: Horses thrive on consistency. Create routines for groundwork, feeding, and grooming. This will help your horse feel secure, knowing what to expect from you.
Tip: Practice leading your horse in a quiet area before introducing any work under saddle. The goal is to establish a connection where your horse listens to you and respects your space.
2. Desensitizing Your Horse to Fear-Inducing Stimuli
Many behavior issues arise from fear—whether it’s the fear of new environments, objects, or people. Desensitizing your horse is about slowly introducing them to potentially frightening things at their own pace, until they no longer react in a fearful way.
What to Do:
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Start with a calm environment: Begin in an area where your horse feels safe. Avoid loud noises or distractions during the early stages.
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Gradual exposure: Start by introducing your horse to one new object or situation at a time. If your horse is frightened of something (like a tarp or an umbrella), allow them to observe it from a distance and gradually bring it closer.
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Positive reinforcement: Each time your horse remains calm around the object, reward them with a treat or praise. This builds a positive association with what they once feared.
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Don’t rush: Take your time with desensitization. If your horse becomes anxious or overreacts, step back and give them space to calm down before proceeding.
Tip: A steady, patient approach is essential here. Avoid forcing your horse into close contact with something they’re afraid of, as this can reinforce their fear.
3. Groundwork for Establishing Respect
Groundwork is one of the most effective ways to teach respect and control, especially for horses with behavioral problems like poor leading manners or lack of attention. Groundwork exercises can help your horse understand boundaries and improve their responsiveness to commands.
What to Do:
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Join-Up Technique: This technique, popularized by Monty Roberts, involves using body language to encourage your horse to approach you willingly. In a round pen or confined space, you’ll move your body in such a way that your horse follows you. Once they approach, stop and turn away from them. This teaches the horse that following you is a desirable outcome.
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Leading by the Shoulder: Leading a horse should be done with them at your side or slightly behind you. If they get ahead, gently guide them back into position by applying light pressure to the lead rope and stepping into their space.
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Respecting space: Teach your horse to respect your personal space. Use gentle pressure with the lead rope or body language to guide them back if they invade your space. This builds a foundation of mutual respect.
Tip: Always reward even small successes. This reinforces that good behavior leads to positive outcomes.
4. Addressing Aggression and Dominance Issues
If your horse displays aggressive behaviors—such as biting, kicking, or charging—it’s often a result of dominance issues. Horses are herd animals, and they’ll test for leadership. It’s essential to establish yourself as the leader to prevent these behaviors from escalating.
What to Do:
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Don’t tolerate bad behavior: If your horse attempts to bite or kick, immediately correct them. This is done not by punishment but by gently but firmly moving them away from you, using the lead rope or body language. Assert your authority by maintaining space and positioning yourself as the leader.
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Make them move: If a horse is being dominant, one way to correct this is to make them move away from you. Horses don’t like to be forced to move, so applying pressure and requiring the horse to yield to your leadership can establish authority.
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Use groundwork exercises: Continue with exercises like lunging or moving the horse in circles. This reinforces that you are in control and the horse must respect your space.
Tip: Be consistent with your corrections. Dominant horses thrive on inconsistency, so always follow through when addressing undesirable behaviors.
5. Overcoming Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is common in horses that become highly attached to other horses, especially when they are taken away from the group. This can lead to undesirable behaviors such as whinnying, pacing, or acting out.
What to Do:
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Desensitize gradually: Start by separating your horse from the herd for short periods of time. Keep the separation brief and gradually increase the duration over time.
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Stay calm and confident: Your horse will pick up on your energy. If you’re anxious, they will become more anxious. Remain calm, reassuring, and assertive to help your horse feel more secure.
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Use positive reinforcement: After the separation, reward your horse for remaining calm. This will help your horse associate the situation with something positive.
Tip: Don’t reinforce anxious behaviors. If your horse is acting out when you separate them, don’t rush to comfort them immediately, as it may reinforce the behavior. Instead, reward calmness after they’ve settled.
6. Addressing Trailer Loading and Travel Anxiety
Many horses experience anxiety when it comes to loading into a trailer. This can lead to stress, resistance, and even injuries. Using natural horsemanship, you can help your horse feel more comfortable and confident when it’s time to load.
What to Do:
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Desensitize to the trailer: Start by allowing your horse to explore the trailer at their own pace. Don’t force them inside. Let them sniff around and become accustomed to the space.
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Gradual loading: Use positive reinforcement each time your horse makes progress toward the trailer, whether it’s putting one foot inside or simply getting closer. Take small steps and be patient.
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Create a positive association: Always reward your horse with praise or treats when they step inside the trailer. This helps them associate the trailer with positive outcomes.
Tip: Never rush the process. Some horses may need several days to become comfortable with trailer loading, so be patient and consistent.
Conclusion
Natural horsemanship offers a compassionate, effective way to address a wide range of problem behaviors in horses. By understanding your horse’s instincts and needs, you can develop a training program based on mutual respect and trust. Whether you’re dealing with fear, aggression, or anxiety, the key is to work with your horse, not against them. With time, patience, and consistency, you can overcome these challenges and build a lasting, harmonious relationship with your horse.
Remember: Every horse is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. Be flexible, and always adjust your methods to suit the individual needs of your horse.