Power Struggles

Horses have a way of testing their boundaries. They're very much like children in this regard. My horse wants to know that I'm consistent when I ask something from him.

In our early days, the power struggle was over cleaning his feet. I'd ask him to lift his hoof and he'd give me trouble about it. With my instructor's help, I gradually got him to realize that I was going to persist in asking for his hoof until he gave it to me. When he did, I praised him. I told him what a good boy he is. We are doing well with his feet now.

Recently, Rusty and I had a power struggle about the bridle. Formerly, he had been very good about being bridled. Then, out of the blue, he began to throw his head up in the air trying to avoid the bridle. Once I knew that the bridle itself was not the problem -- it was adjusted correctly and the bit was not hurting him -- I had to be persistent with my behavior. Once Rusty realized I wasn't going to give up, the head-tossing stopped. Today, he submitted to having the bridle put on without a problem.

So, just like with children, we have to work patiently and consistently with our horses letting them know we won't tolerate bad behavior. Rusty needs me to be consistent with him. If I send him mixed signals I'm creating a problem and confusing my horse.

As we get to know each other, Rusty and I are developing a good relationship. He needs me to take the lead and set the limits. Our times together can only get better with patience and consistency.