Horses Respond To Comfort

What is comfort to a horse?

If you’re working with an unhandled horse you might find the horse does not want to greet you at all. The horse may see you only as a predator and unsafe. Because we know horses look for comfort we can use this information to create comfortable and uncomfortable situations, so that the horse can choose the comfort. If the horse is turning away from you, you might slap your leg, shake the halter or slap a rope on the ground to create discomfort for the horse.

The minute the horse gives you some kind of recognition you need to stop immediately and stand relaxed. This will give the horse the idea that by giving a certain response they can make you stop and stand relaxed. (This is comfort for the horse). Recognition might mean the lowering of the head, licking of the lips or turning to look at you. Gradually this can be built into having the horse turn to face you and come into you, then following you at liberty.

Your timing is critical during this process, as incorrect timing could create the opposite result from what you are looking for, so you should have someone experienced in this technique to work with you in the beginning.