Why your horse does what he does. It's not E.S.P. It's plain common horse sense!
I do not believe horses sit around at night and think of ways to confuse or upset us. They do not do things to just "make us crazy".
Horses are herd animals, whether in a herd of horses or a herd of two (you and he) your horse will either lead or follow. In the herd of two, you must lead and teach in the ways he should go. A leader is one who guides, one who leads with knowledge and shows the way. It is not one who punishes. It's one who controls with care, using a gentle but firm guiding hand. This will instill trust and respect between you and your horse.
When horses become frustrated, confused and scared they need to able to turn to you for safety. Sometimes a certain maneuver hurts or because of their body type they cannot perform the action as well as we would like. When you ask him for something that he does not understand, or has been punished for doing wrong (when doing what he thought you was asking he to do) he will become scared and confused.
Horses are condition/response animals, what is confusing, hurts or punished will not be repeated, the same is true for a behavior that is rewarded, it will be repeated. Thus the condition/response holds true.
When my horse does something wrong, or keeps making a mistake, I look to myself, (if there isn't a medical or physical reason for her mistake), then I didn't teach her correctly. Thus the condition/response again. Look to yourself first. What are you asking? How are you asking? Does your horse understand? Can your horse do it? Are you asking too much too soon? Are you asking the same questions (cue) the same way each time or are you changing the question? Are you rewarding with release of pressure when you get the response, or are you frustrated and just keep asking? How will he know if he ever got it correct? How will he know what to repeat or stop? Be simple and clear, be calm and consistent.
Since horses are only almost human, and as such are fallible, just as you are. Don't be too hard on your horse, and don't be too hard on yourself. Remember to use your voice for praise as well as correction. Let your voice bring comfort and stability.
I believe horses are very intelligent animals that God has created for us to enjoy and share a special bond with. Not to be impatient with or scolded because we don't understand why we cannot get the results we want. When you stop getting results then you are not asking correctly, and not asking in the way your horses can understand. Horses do not respond as humans do, nor will they ever. Horses do not act on Emotions (as we do), Horses re-act on instinct, to you, their environment, and other horses. So when working with your horse, remove your emotions and see the response for what it is, "instinct" and don't take it personal. Horses don't know how to do things on a personal level. Does your horse fear you, or respect you, do you make sense to him in a language he can understand? Think of all the misunderstandings your horse has put up with from you. All of the times you are asking him to do something not knowing the correct cue, and most of the time he just hangs in there until it is figured out. You need to remember that your horse speaks a whole different language then you, and you being human and having the intellect must be the one to make the effort to be understood.
Example: You go into a store and are very much in need of a certain item, the person behind the counter does not understand English at all, so image how careful you would work and the different ways you would try to help this person understand how to get the item you need.
They had no idea what you wanted when you walked in, but through a calm and patient attitude of working together you both received what you wanted, you the important item and they received praise for a job well done. The next time you walk into that store and say or do whatever it was that triggered the correct response (your cue) you may only have to ask once. If you had lost your temper neither of you would be happy and neither of you would have gotten the desired result or learned anything.
With a nervous (confused, scared, anxious) horse or one that is having a hard time standing still, give him something else to do, give his mind something else to think about. Remove the fear (flight or fight instinct), and replace it with a thinking mind. When you give your horse something to do, that he does well, he will be calmer and pay more attention to you. Having his mind on you and a task, will keep him "thinking" instead of just re-acting on his instincts. By showing him pleasure when he is feeling fear, you will become his safe place.
If he is confused or scared and is also afraid of you, where will he find safety and comfort? Use this time to build trust in your relationship. Make a positive out of a negative situation. Respect makes a good horse. Fear makes a dangerous horse.
Every horse is different, with different backgrounds, personalities, and learning levels. Training techniques can be the same for each horse, if modified to the horses unique ability and needs.
Build a trusting relationship with your horse, not a fearful one. Along with teaching your lesson, teach and instill trust and comfort. Your lessons and trust will last a lifetime. It will be what you can count on when he isn't up to the challenge, but will give you his whole heart and soul just because you asked. This is the horse that will take you to your dreams!
Always practice and ride consistently correct. Relax, have fun, and happy training.
