Though I’m no longer formally teaching, my book, In It for the Horses: A Journey from Whips to Whispers, and this Myth Busters blog remain my primary means of educating horse owners about riding, stable care, and fostering deep connections with their horses. I’m regularly consulted for guidance on the challenges horse owners experience. Lots of people seem surprised when I don’t answer right away.
This post will explore why I refrain from offering detailed guidance on horse behavior issues without direct observation of the animal—and why you should be wary of anyone who does.
The Difference Between “Knowing” and “Caring”
The key difference lies in whether one simply applies standard solutions from established methods or takes the extra step of drawing on experience and potentially researching to truly understand the situation.
Though my reluctance to propose solutions might suggest indecisiveness or a lack of expertise, I will advocate for the importance of observation and maintaining an open mind. In your search for answers, I urge you to learn all you can and find your own way as much as possible because—news alert—you know your horse better than I or any outsider ever could. Anyone who says they have all the answers when it comes to horse advice should make you suspicious.
The Responsibility of Horse Ownership
Owning a horse is far more than having access to riding. Even when boarding a horse at a stable with experienced staff, the owner bears responsibility for the animal’s welfare, as horse care is incredibly complex. We all learn from experience, and especially with horses, the more you learn, the better off your horse will be.
It all starts with observation. When you pay attention to how your horse behaves in daily situations, you’ll notice if something has changed. This baseline knowledge becomes invaluable when something seems “off.” Cultivating observational abilities is not merely beneficial; it is crucial for being a responsible horse owner.
Figuring Out Solutions vs. Knowing Answers
The pressure to provide instant solutions is everywhere in our culture. Horse owners want—and expect—immediate answers to complex behavioral or health issues. But horses are individuals, and what works for one may not work for another. More importantly, what appears to be the problem may be a symptom of something entirely different.
True expertise lies not in having a catalog of ready-made solutions, but in developing the skills to investigate, observe, and understand what’s really happening with each individual horse. This necessitates engaging with the horse and letting them direct your actions.
The Power of Observation: A Lesson from Alvin
To ensure we’re objective about what could be a sensitive topic, I’ll offer an example using my dog, not a horse.
I have the most wonderful dog in the world. Yes, I’m biased, but Alvin is exceptional. He’s a thirty-pound Mini Australian Shepherd with the sweetest disposition imaginable. I’ve suspected since he was just months old that he doesn’t see very well.
As he’s aged—he’s now ten—his behavior has reinforced my concerns. He barks at things like pieces of tarp hung on fences or anything new and “out of place” in his mind, like a feed bucket tossed in the driveway. I’ve been puzzling over this vision issue for about four years, and this perfectly demonstrates my argument.
Only recently did I connect his potential vision problems with another habit I thought I’d already figured out. Even in cold temperatures, Alvin seeks shade. Ask anyone with an Australian Shepherd and they’ll say, “Ah yes, they run hot and use shade to stay cool.” Absolutely true—I’ve had several Aussies, and that’s always been the case.
But what if, in Alvin’s case, he seeks shade not only to cool off but also to keep the sun out of his compromised eyes? This situation brings up further questions for which no one, myself included, has ready answers.
An animal communicator confirmed he has a compromised vision. Looking through his eyes, she said, “It’s like he needs glasses.” Her insight contributed meaningfully to my investigation, and I’ve since found supplements that may help him.
The Takeaway
This example illustrates why it’s unwise to jump to conclusions about behavioral problems. Rushing to conclusions can result in misinterpreting the real problem or failing to grasp your animal’s actual condition. It took me years of observation to piece together what might be going on with Alvin—and I live with him every day.
If I need that much time to understand my own dog, how could I possibly give you meaningful advice about your horse based on a brief description of symptoms?
My intention is not to dissuade anyone from seeking assistance; rather, it is to promote a thorough and patient approach to investigation, ensuring the best outcome for both you and your horse. My upcoming posts will feature actionable strategies for you to become more adept at monitoring your horse’s health. These will include straightforward checklists for observation, methods for keeping records, and guidance on distinguishing between issues that require immediate attention and those that can be monitored over time. This isn’t about making you fearful—it’s about making you prepared.
This post will explore why I refrain from offering detailed guidance on horse behavior issues without direct observation of the animal—and why you should be wary of anyone who does.
The Difference Between “Knowing” and “Caring”
The key difference lies in whether one simply applies standard solutions from established methods or takes the extra step of drawing on experience and potentially researching to truly understand the situation.
Though my reluctance to propose solutions might suggest indecisiveness or a lack of expertise, I will advocate for the importance of observation and maintaining an open mind. In your search for answers, I urge you to learn all you can and find your own way as much as possible because—news alert—you know your horse better than I or any outsider ever could. Anyone who says they have all the answers when it comes to horse advice should make you suspicious.
The Responsibility of Horse Ownership
Owning a horse is far more than having access to riding. Even when boarding a horse at a stable with experienced staff, the owner bears responsibility for the animal’s welfare, as horse care is incredibly complex. We all learn from experience, and especially with horses, the more you learn, the better off your horse will be.
It all starts with observation. When you pay attention to how your horse behaves in daily situations, you’ll notice if something has changed. This baseline knowledge becomes invaluable when something seems “off.” Cultivating observational abilities is not merely beneficial; it is crucial for being a responsible horse owner.
Figuring Out Solutions vs. Knowing Answers
The pressure to provide instant solutions is everywhere in our culture. Horse owners want—and expect—immediate answers to complex behavioral or health issues. But horses are individuals, and what works for one may not work for another. More importantly, what appears to be the problem may be a symptom of something entirely different.
True expertise lies not in having a catalog of ready-made solutions, but in developing the skills to investigate, observe, and understand what’s really happening with each individual horse. This necessitates engaging with the horse and letting them direct your actions.
The Power of Observation: A Lesson from Alvin
To ensure we’re objective about what could be a sensitive topic, I’ll offer an example using my dog, not a horse.
I have the most wonderful dog in the world. Yes, I’m biased, but Alvin is exceptional. He’s a thirty-pound Mini Australian Shepherd with the sweetest disposition imaginable. I’ve suspected since he was just months old that he doesn’t see very well.
As he’s aged—he’s now ten—his behavior has reinforced my concerns. He barks at things like pieces of tarp hung on fences or anything new and “out of place” in his mind, like a feed bucket tossed in the driveway. I’ve been puzzling over this vision issue for about four years, and this perfectly demonstrates my argument.
Only recently did I connect his potential vision problems with another habit I thought I’d already figured out. Even in cold temperatures, Alvin seeks shade. Ask anyone with an Australian Shepherd and they’ll say, “Ah yes, they run hot and use shade to stay cool.” Absolutely true—I’ve had several Aussies, and that’s always been the case.
But what if, in Alvin’s case, he seeks shade not only to cool off but also to keep the sun out of his compromised eyes? This situation brings up further questions for which no one, myself included, has ready answers.
An animal communicator confirmed he has a compromised vision. Looking through his eyes, she said, “It’s like he needs glasses.” Her insight contributed meaningfully to my investigation, and I’ve since found supplements that may help him.
The Takeaway
This example illustrates why it’s unwise to jump to conclusions about behavioral problems. Rushing to conclusions can result in misinterpreting the real problem or failing to grasp your animal’s actual condition. It took me years of observation to piece together what might be going on with Alvin—and I live with him every day.
If I need that much time to understand my own dog, how could I possibly give you meaningful advice about your horse based on a brief description of symptoms?
My intention is not to dissuade anyone from seeking assistance; rather, it is to promote a thorough and patient approach to investigation, ensuring the best outcome for both you and your horse. My upcoming posts will feature actionable strategies for you to become more adept at monitoring your horse’s health. These will include straightforward checklists for observation, methods for keeping records, and guidance on distinguishing between issues that require immediate attention and those that can be monitored over time. This isn’t about making you fearful—it’s about making you prepared.
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