Home » Plants & Animals » Horse Training » The Dangers of Spoiling a Horse

The Dangers of Spoiling a Horse

© Caryn A. Tate

Most of us have done it. It's hard not to spoil your horse, especially if you only have one. Generally it's pretty fun, feeding them grain or treats and doing all kinds of other things to pamper them-we love to see their reaction, their excitement or their calm happiness. Just like with a child, though, it can have its consequences.

The consequences can be hard to detect at first, especially if you're the person doing the spoiling. But the telltale signs can be more subtle things like your horse putting his ears back, showing impatience, and things along those lines. But before long, if you allow his behavior to continue, you can end up with some real attitude problems that can be difficult to fix. Your horse may eventually get to the point where he won't listen to you at all, and won't do a thing that you ask. Because of the obvious fact that you are the same person who spoiled him, and he is the same horse that was spoiled, it can be extremely hard to turn this behavior around and bring this horse back to the learning creature he used to be.

Besides behavioral problems in training areas, some horses can even become somewhat violent after being spoiled this way. If they don't get their way, they may bite or kick. But what often happens, in addition, is that horses spoiled to this point will lose their respect for your space. Before you know it, your horse may be throwing his weight around, running into you when you're on the ground with him and ignoring your hands and the bit when you're on his back. Either way, and no matter which way your horse may express it, spoiling a horse too much ends up in a negative situation that is hard to turn around.

The best way to avoid spoiling your horse too much is this. Don't allow yourself to be reluctant to tell him no. I know how hard it can be sometimes, with the horse you love, to deny him anything; but remind yourself at times like these that it is for the greater good. Imagine what could happen if you indulge him constantly, and that should help you to remember that saying no can sometimes really be the best thing for your horse (not to mention for you).

Be firm with him when he does something out of a spoiled attitude. Show him that this is not acceptable, and that you know he can do better. Basically raise the bar, and ask him to step up to meet it.

The copyright of the article The Dangers of Spoiling a Horse in Horse Training is owned by . Permission to republish The Dangers of Spoiling a Horse in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.