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Horse-Human Relationships, Part 1

© Caryn A. Tate

The subject of this article is actually a huge, broad subject that can take many angles and can be looked at in a plethora of different ways. So as you're reading, keep in mind that this is my take on the matter, and also just Part One.

Your relationship with your horse could be the single most important training tool there is. Everything else you teach him, or he teaches you, simply builds on top of that relationship, and around it.

I can't overstate the importance of spending TIME with your horse(s). Whether you're working together, playing together, or spending quiet dreaming time together, it doesn't matter. Just like relationships with people, the more time you spend with them, the better you get to know them (and vice versa). And, just like human relationships, you can create bonds that last a lifetime, that are infinitely special and meaningful. Spending time with each other and getting to know each other is basic and essential for beginning to understand your horse, and vice versa. It is invaluable.

Make friends with your horse. I'm not saying to let him take advantage of you or to run all over you. Being friends means that you do have respect for one another, that you know and love each other, that you enjoy spending free time together, and can even teach each other things.

Keep in mind that while you're friends with your horse, you have to remain in control. Horses know when you're in control and when you aren't, and they act accordingly. If you allow your horse to be in control, he won't respect what you ask him to do, or learn what you teach. In a horse-human relationship, there has to be a leader and a follower. Make sure that you're the leader.

Another important aspect to the horse-human relationship is respect. As I mentioned earlier, if you allow your horse to run over you, he won't respect you or what you ask of him. But it's important that you respect him as well. Emphasize respect for his space, and he'll usually respect yours. It can be not only annoying for a horse to not respect your space--it can be dangerous, as well. Horses are huge, powerful animals, and if your horse gets the idea that you'll allow him to run over you and this will get him out of some work, he'll do it. However, if you establish that you're the leader and that you won't allow him to invade your space, he'll respect that, and very likely will listen to what you have to say.

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