One of the major keys to success with horses is to become a just and fair leader; to mean what you say and to say what you mean. While intellectually this is a fairly simple concept, acting on it is sometimes what we find the hardest.
So, if natural horsemanship is all about horses having options, where does ‘no’ fit in? It fits in having a just attitude such as;
“No - you cannot come into my space.”
“No - you cannot push through my leg.”
“No - you cannot move off when I say stop.”
These are just a few examples from a list of many such situations. For anyone, horse or human, to be confident in their own space from day to day, they need to know what parameters or boundaries of behaviour are acceptable. This is social conditioning and is part of the health and wellbeing of all living creatures. As the herd leader, our job is to set these parameters and adhere to them faithfully, in order to be a fair and consistent leader.
Let’s use an example:- As discussed in Level 1, we do not want to teach our horses to push into our personal space. Not only is it disrespectful, it can also become dangerous. A better option is to go to your horse when it is your idea. Then you can rub on him and hug him to your hearts content. Now let’s say that you are aware of the importance of this and whenever you are paying attention you make sure your horse respects your space. However, when your back is turned and you are busy chatting to someone and preoccupied, he gradually creeps closer and closer until he is right in next to you. He’s having a lovely time in his new comfort spot. Next thing, you suddenly become aware of it and give him phase 4 ... and how ... because you just realised what he’s done. Your poor old horse is bewildered because he found comfort for being there one minute and got sent off in no uncertain terms the next. All because you weren’t consistent with what was acceptable. If your horse learns ‘no – my space is a no go zone’, not only will he know exactly where he stands, he also won’t get into so much trouble. All because no means no.
Stopping and standing still is another great example. So many times people finish a task, stop and then just let their horse wander off a few steps. Then next time they want to stop, they get frustrated because their horse won’t stop and stand still! If your horse really won’t stand still, remember the ‘comfort is to move’ article from Lesson 4’s ‘The Flight Response’? Use your savvy and prepare him to stand still, and then mean it when you ask again. No means no, not “maybe, please, when you are ready.” You are the Alpha. Be a great leader and mean what you say. You’ll have a happier horse, as he’ll know exactly what is expected of him. He’ll know where he can go and where he can’t go, so he’ll find his place of comfort and not get himself into trouble because of your lack of ‘NO!’
Learning to say ‘no’ is part of having a great focus, the kind of focus that encapsulates your intent and purpose. If you want to go, you mean go now; if you want to stop, you mean stop here. This kind of leadership will truly win your horse’s respect and admiration. If it’s important enough to you, it will become important enough to your horse.
Read More Road To Horsemanship articles.
- By Meredith Ransley, Quantum Savvy.