By embracing a holistic approach to horsemanship, we prioritize the well-being and emotional state of our horses while developing our skills as sensitive companions. This journey is rooted in understanding rather than manipulation, allowing us to cultivate a richer and more authentic relationship that honors the horse as a sentient being.
As I discussed in the previous post, it can be challenging to understand the thoughts and motivations of another person, let alone those of a different species like horses. Our natural human bias—seeing animal actions from our own point of view—complicates this process. Recognizing this bias is essential for understanding how horses perceive their environment, which is vital for forming meaningful connections with them.
Understanding horses can be complex, yet learning about them is incredibly rewarding. A key aspect of fostering a genuine relationship is grasping the dangers of anthropomorphizing—projecting human traits and emotions onto them.
What is Anthropomorphizing?
Anthropomorphizing refers to attributing human emotions, intentions, or characteristics to animals. For instance, believing that a barn sour horse—one who turns back toward the stable when leaving the yard for a trail ride or rushes home—is lazy and just wants to avoid work is a common misconception. Understanding how often we casually attribute human characteristics to the horses we encounter will enrich your relationship with them.
In the case of the barn sour horse, it’s crucial to consider the rider's emotional response. If the horse is new, the rider might suddenly have doubts about their purchase or feel, insecure about their management abilities. When others are present, the rider could feel ashamed or inadequate. Expectations of compliance might result in harshness toward the horse. It’s worth taking a moment to consider how feelings of doubt, inadequacy, embarrassment, and anger influence how you interact with horses, and remind yourself that emotionally based responses are misguided.
These scenarios highlight the need for deeper inquiry. We must ask: Why does the horse keep returning to the yard? While it’s easy to latch on to “pat answers” like laziness or defiance, more often than not, the situation requires endless questioning, and we may confront the fact that we will never fully understand the reasons behind a horse’s behavior.
The important thing is to give the horse the benefit of the doubt and focus on their best interests. I’ve faced similar situations and have felt considerable guilt over how I handled them. In some instances, it can be necessary to endure the circumstances as they unfold and then address our feelings at a later time.
Exploring Equine Behavior
When addressing a horse’s behaviors, it’s vital to consider various factors—especially physical discomfort. This could stem from a range of issues, including:
This list is far from exhaustive. Take a moment to add to it and see how long your list can be!
My point is to always remain open to new insights and avoid being too sure of your interpretations. To illustrate this, I want to share a story about a horse named Fred.
Fred was a Hanoverian warmblood imported from Canada with a talent for jumping. I met him when he was four.
At age six, Fred started rubbing his tail. I dewormed him, tried medicated shampoos and conditioners, hoping to alleviate possible skin irritation, but his rubbing persisted. My veterinarian conducted a thorough examination, providing dietary recommendations that I diligently followed. Despite my efforts, the itching intensified and spread to every inch of his body.
For two years, I experimented with various specialized treatments. Throughout this time, Fred left patches of hair on fence rails and developed a brittle coat, evidence of his incessant rubbing. I admit, Fred’s behavior drove me to distraction. Despite moving from one remedy to the next, I clung to the belief that each new approach would provide the relief he desperately needed.
One day, while cleaning the pen, I noticed him pushing along an electric wire to ground it out, so he could use the plastic insulators as scratchers. Knowing how sensitive horses are to electricity, I asked myself: How intense must his itching be to justify this behavior?
Finally, I consulted a friend skilled in animal communication to check in with Fred about his incessant itching.
“He says it’s not itching,” she informed me. “It’s more like pain—a burning sensation like shingles.” There was a pause. “He feels like his nerve endings are on fire, and he wants you to know that he’s done. If you can’t figure out how to help him, he wants out.”
This revelation hit me like a punch to the gut. Fred was in pain, suffering symptoms similar to those of shingles, while I had fixated on treating itching.
The next day, I mailed in a saliva sample for a psychometric aura reading. I had success with this method in the past, but it was an unconventional approach that I hadn’t fully embraced. This time, the phrase “nerve endings feel like they are on fire” matched a vibrational remedy precisely. I administered it as instructed, and within three months, Fred returned to his cantankerous self. I welcomed his healing and thanked him for teaching me the necessity of questioning my assumptions and never giving up in pursuit of answers.
Conclusion
Fred’s story serves as a reminder of the complexities of equine behavior and the importance of understanding our horses’ perspectives. Just as I learned not to take their behaviors at face value, I encourage you to approach your horse with curiosity, patience, and empathy.
Have you faced challenges in understanding your horse's behavior? Please share your stories and insights in the comments below.
Join the conversation at:
https://www.wholehorsetraining.com/myth-busters.html
As I discussed in the previous post, it can be challenging to understand the thoughts and motivations of another person, let alone those of a different species like horses. Our natural human bias—seeing animal actions from our own point of view—complicates this process. Recognizing this bias is essential for understanding how horses perceive their environment, which is vital for forming meaningful connections with them.
Understanding horses can be complex, yet learning about them is incredibly rewarding. A key aspect of fostering a genuine relationship is grasping the dangers of anthropomorphizing—projecting human traits and emotions onto them.
What is Anthropomorphizing?
Anthropomorphizing refers to attributing human emotions, intentions, or characteristics to animals. For instance, believing that a barn sour horse—one who turns back toward the stable when leaving the yard for a trail ride or rushes home—is lazy and just wants to avoid work is a common misconception. Understanding how often we casually attribute human characteristics to the horses we encounter will enrich your relationship with them.
In the case of the barn sour horse, it’s crucial to consider the rider's emotional response. If the horse is new, the rider might suddenly have doubts about their purchase or feel, insecure about their management abilities. When others are present, the rider could feel ashamed or inadequate. Expectations of compliance might result in harshness toward the horse. It’s worth taking a moment to consider how feelings of doubt, inadequacy, embarrassment, and anger influence how you interact with horses, and remind yourself that emotionally based responses are misguided.
These scenarios highlight the need for deeper inquiry. We must ask: Why does the horse keep returning to the yard? While it’s easy to latch on to “pat answers” like laziness or defiance, more often than not, the situation requires endless questioning, and we may confront the fact that we will never fully understand the reasons behind a horse’s behavior.
The important thing is to give the horse the benefit of the doubt and focus on their best interests. I’ve faced similar situations and have felt considerable guilt over how I handled them. In some instances, it can be necessary to endure the circumstances as they unfold and then address our feelings at a later time.
Exploring Equine Behavior
When addressing a horse’s behaviors, it’s vital to consider various factors—especially physical discomfort. This could stem from a range of issues, including:
- Pain from a stone bruise or developing abscess
- An ill-fitting saddle or a wrinkle in a saddle pad
- Separation anxiety
- Dental issues causing discomfort in the gut or mouth
This list is far from exhaustive. Take a moment to add to it and see how long your list can be!
My point is to always remain open to new insights and avoid being too sure of your interpretations. To illustrate this, I want to share a story about a horse named Fred.
Fred was a Hanoverian warmblood imported from Canada with a talent for jumping. I met him when he was four.
At age six, Fred started rubbing his tail. I dewormed him, tried medicated shampoos and conditioners, hoping to alleviate possible skin irritation, but his rubbing persisted. My veterinarian conducted a thorough examination, providing dietary recommendations that I diligently followed. Despite my efforts, the itching intensified and spread to every inch of his body.
For two years, I experimented with various specialized treatments. Throughout this time, Fred left patches of hair on fence rails and developed a brittle coat, evidence of his incessant rubbing. I admit, Fred’s behavior drove me to distraction. Despite moving from one remedy to the next, I clung to the belief that each new approach would provide the relief he desperately needed.
One day, while cleaning the pen, I noticed him pushing along an electric wire to ground it out, so he could use the plastic insulators as scratchers. Knowing how sensitive horses are to electricity, I asked myself: How intense must his itching be to justify this behavior?
Finally, I consulted a friend skilled in animal communication to check in with Fred about his incessant itching.
“He says it’s not itching,” she informed me. “It’s more like pain—a burning sensation like shingles.” There was a pause. “He feels like his nerve endings are on fire, and he wants you to know that he’s done. If you can’t figure out how to help him, he wants out.”
This revelation hit me like a punch to the gut. Fred was in pain, suffering symptoms similar to those of shingles, while I had fixated on treating itching.
The next day, I mailed in a saliva sample for a psychometric aura reading. I had success with this method in the past, but it was an unconventional approach that I hadn’t fully embraced. This time, the phrase “nerve endings feel like they are on fire” matched a vibrational remedy precisely. I administered it as instructed, and within three months, Fred returned to his cantankerous self. I welcomed his healing and thanked him for teaching me the necessity of questioning my assumptions and never giving up in pursuit of answers.
Conclusion
Fred’s story serves as a reminder of the complexities of equine behavior and the importance of understanding our horses’ perspectives. Just as I learned not to take their behaviors at face value, I encourage you to approach your horse with curiosity, patience, and empathy.
Have you faced challenges in understanding your horse's behavior? Please share your stories and insights in the comments below.
Join the conversation at:
https://www.wholehorsetraining.com/myth-busters.html
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