Horse training is not just about teaching an animal new tricks; it’s also about shaping desired behavior out of the natural instincts that animals have. Horses are prey animals and, as such, are bred to exhibit certain instincts and behaviors. However, when you bring a horse into your home and start training it, you’re introducing new things into its life that may trigger unnaturally strong reactions or other undesirable behaviors. That’s why it’s important to understand what these common horse training behaviors really are and how best to deal with them. If you’re considering bringing a horse into your home, it’s important to know what those around you might see as warning signs of an untrained horse. If you’re not prepared for the challenges that come with owning a horse, you may want to reconsider your decision to do so. Here are some common horse training behaviors that you should know about so you can help your horse overcome these challenges and become a well-trained companion animal instead of a problem animal that’s only putting your property at risk.
Balking at the Bit
Balking at the bit is a common and dangerous horse training behavior that can be very dangerous for both horse and rider. The horse may suddenly stop pulling or walking, and the rider may not be able to stop the horse before it runs away. Balking at the bit is usually a result of an insecure rider who doesn’t know how to properly communicate with the horse. This behavior is often seen in young inexperienced riders who are not confident in their ability to control the horse. The horse may also be feeling anxious, bored, or fatigued, and may be trying to communicate that it’s had enough. If balking happens, the rider should immediately use all the communication tools at their disposal to calm the horse and get them back on track. It can be helpful to choose a new bit, change the rider’s position, or even change the rider’s clothes to break the horse out of this behavior.
Running Away
Running away is another common horse training behavior that is also very dangerous. This behavior is usually seen in untrained or nervous horses that have been spooked by something. The horse may be feeling anxious or afraid, or may have been kicked or hit by another horse in the past. The horse may be trying to escape the situation, or may just be trying to get away from the source of their anxiety. If this happens, the rider should immediately stop the horse and try to calm it down. They should also try to reassure the horse that they are safe and that they won’t hurt them. They may also want to use a training tool such as a lead rope to keep the horse in place. If the horse continues to run away, the rider should try to catch the horse to prevent it from injuring itself or another animal.
Jumping
Jumping is a very common horse training behavior that is often seen when a horse is excited or anxious. It’s usually not a bad thing, but can be very dangerous if the horse is not trained. The horse may be feeling anxious or excited, or may simply be trying to get to a pasture or other safe place. The rider should try to calm the horse down before it jumps, or risk injury to the horse or rider. If the horse is in a jumping ring or round pen, the rider should try to get the horse to a safe place before it jumps. If the horse is in a pasture, the rider should try to keep it in one spot while they calm it down.
Grooming and Manure Stepping
Grooming and manure stepping are two common horse training behaviors that are usually not dangerous, but can be annoying. Grooming is when the horse goes around and around in circles, stopping at each object and then starting again. Manure stepping is when the horse suddenly stops and steps in something. Both of these behaviors are usually a result of the horse feeling anxious or bored. The rider should try to keep the horse engaged and keep it from feeling bored and anxious. They should also try to keep the horse from getting bored and anxious by rotating its feed and exercise schedule, and keeping it from feeling isolated by providing companionship and social interaction. If the horse is in a pasture, the rider should try to keep it on a shorter rope so it can’t get as far away from the pasture gate as it desires.
Biting and Nipping
Biting and nipping are two other common horse training behaviors that are usually not dangerous, but can be very annoying. Biting usually occurs when the horse is excited, while nipping usually occurs when the horse is feeling anxious. The rider should try to calm the horse down before it bites or nips, or risk injury to the horse or rider. If the horse is in a jumping ring or round pen, the rider should try to get the horse to a safe place before it bites or nips. If the horse is in a pasture, the rider should try to keep it in one spot while they calm it down.
Conclusion
Horse training is an important part of owning a horse. It is necessary to teach your horse good habits so that it is safe around other animals and people, and is a good companion animal. Trainers will use different methods to achieve this, but there are a few common horse training behaviors that you should be aware of. Biting, nipping, and grooming are all normal behaviors that can be trained out of your horse. If you want your horse to be a safe and well-behaved companion, you must be prepared to work with them and correct their behavior when necessary.