Leadership: Nature's Way

Nature’s Way: Every Herd Needs A Leader

It is THE LAW of nature that every herd needs a leader.  If you and your horse are together, then there must be a leader and that leader had best be you.  There is  always what we call “testing” by a horse.  What he is actually doing every single time he tests you is actually checking out who is the leader of the herd.  Since it is you and him  together, you have a herd of two. 

If you allow him to ignore you or do his own thing, he is then the leader.  This is not a good position for you and soon you will have a rambunctious, and possible dangerous horse on your hands.  You will not trust him because he does not trust you.  

Tiffy - the leader of our herd

                  Adventure Horse Riding in NYS            Smilla13@gmail.com  (Mary Dixon)                                                                            www.RideNYS.com

Tip: Mugging

     If you enjoy giving treats to your horse but he keeps mugging you for them and won't knock it off, try doing this:  each time he mugs you, push his face gently but firmly away from you to where he is looking straight ahead.

     In the beginning, as soon as he keeps his head to the front instead of mugging you, give him his treat.  You may have to be quick about it and timing is everything.

     As he begins to understand he won't get a treat until he looks ahead (and not mug you), you can ask him to wait a bit longer, then a bit longer, and then a bit longer.  It won't take him long to figure this all out.

     BE CONSISTENT - if you do this, whatever you do, don't screw everything  up and give him a treat when he mugs you.  Then you've lost the war !  And, totally confused the poor fellow with your mixed messages.

      Giving treats doesn't make horses bite, the darlings start biting or nipping  only because you allowed the mugging behavior.  Do the above and you and your horse will be happy.

Adventure Horse Riding in NYS   ---      www.RideNYS.com