frequently asked questions
Norfolk Horse Training and Equitation Club's resident trainer, Johanna Macarthur, addresses some frequently asked questions...
"All training is affected by the horse's ability to learn both as an individual and as a prey species."
"All training starts with home management" jm
The first thing to remember is that, simple behaviour/training principles, will apply to every individual horse. Each horse has the ability to learn based on his past experiences, age and breed etc., for example cold bloods (Shires and Cobs) will generally be less reactive to fearful situations than warm bloods (Arabs and TB’s). Both types evolved for survival based upon where they originated. Cold climates for example, had slow moving hunting predators – the cold blooded horses were hunted by packs of wolves, or by stealth hunters like bears – therefore solid hooves in a group were needed to ward off the hungry predators. The cold bloods did not have to genetically modify to run fast, they stood and defended their ground! The warm bloods however, came from hot countries, with fast running predators like pumas and leopards etc., these horses had to evolve to run first, think second! Breed type is hugely influential upon the horse’s ability to learn and react to stimuli! In addition the horse’s memory of all previous handling or training, both good and bad, will affect his ability to process new information. Horses have one of the best memories on the planet!
They literally remember everything!
The horses learning ability is therefore influenced by its genetic make up. There are some behaviours that horses are naturally programmed to do as part of their survival mechanism, the most alarming for us, is their instant reaction to fearful stimuli – Spooking! For the horse, however, this is a unique life saving response to stimuli – the very instant a horse is alerted to a potentially fearful situation, a part of the brain called the Hypothalamus is simultaneously activated with the Piturity and Adrenalin Glands (known as the HPA axis) this mechanism tells the horse to move its legs – FAST! It is known as the ‘flight’ response, we see it in other species like antelope and deer.
It is this natural response (HPA) that has ensured that the wild horse can survive/out run attacks by its predators. It remains one of the responses most dangerous to riders and handlers, it is a natural automatic, body reflex/response that cannot be stopped, only ‘suppressed or diluted’ by good training – It is important to note that when in ‘flight response’ the ability to learn/listen is lost!
“They are thinking with their feet”
Many of us have been told for years when leading or riding a horse in a fearful situation to “keep him going!” When in fact the opposite, in most cases, is actually the most effective, that is to “keep him still” By successfully training Stop! We help keep the horse Calm. Keeping the horses legs still, means we do not further stimulate the HPA flight response, training for Calm is essential for safety and for learning.
Nature has provided the horse with an excellent memory – because the horse has evolved to out-run its predators and because it lives a continually roaming life with the herd, seeking out new pastures – this excellent memory enables the horse to continually learn about his new environment in order to survive another day! This makes horses very easy subjects to retrain – as they are literally programmed to never stop learning!
Horse training following ‘learning theory’ methods is therefore straightforward, it doesn’t allow for mis-interpretation etc. Essentially we need to correctly train our horse to ‘Stop’ and ‘Go’, to ‘Stand’ and ‘Head down’, if he can understand and obey these four simple commands willingly and calmly we can then begin to train or re-train everything else – Just imagine if, in and ideal world, every dangerous or exciting situation that you faced with your horse, he did exactly as you said, Stop!, Go!, Stand!
How much safer and happier you both would be!
Here are some Q’s and A’s that I have answered based on the principles of ‘Learning Theory’, Applied Ethology and Equitation Science.
We strongly recommend that you ask your veterinary surgeon to check if your horse is displaying ‘out of context’ or ‘dangerous’ behaviour due to pain in case there is an underlying physical problem.
Do also ensure that your trainer obtains your Vets permission before they undertake any behaviour training with your horse.
Question
How can I train my horse to be calm and safe?
Click here to read the answer
Question
Why do some horses behave badly?
Click here to read the answer
Question
My young horse (5 years old) speeds up in trot and is very difficult to hold in canter – he is worse with other horses and if I take him on his own he spooks at everything and wants to turn for home the whole time – would a stronger bit help? Currently I ride him in a jointed snaffle.
Click here to read the answer
Question
My horse who is 12 years old hates the Farrier. I have owned him for five years, every time the Farrier calls the Vet has to come and sedate him, this has now resulted in us having a battle with the Vet as well, as he knows what is coming – Help! I dread the stress and expense every 8 weeks?
Click here to read the answer
"All training is affected by the horse's ability to learn both as an individual and as a prey species."
"All training starts with home management" jm
The first thing to remember is that, simple behaviour/training principles, will apply to every individual horse. Each horse has the ability to learn based on his past experiences, age and breed etc., for example cold bloods (Shires and Cobs) will generally be less reactive to fearful situations than warm bloods (Arabs and TB’s). Both types evolved for survival based upon where they originated. Cold climates for example, had slow moving hunting predators – the cold blooded horses were hunted by packs of wolves, or by stealth hunters like bears – therefore solid hooves in a group were needed to ward off the hungry predators. The cold bloods did not have to genetically modify to run fast, they stood and defended their ground! The warm bloods however, came from hot countries, with fast running predators like pumas and leopards etc., these horses had to evolve to run first, think second! Breed type is hugely influential upon the horse’s ability to learn and react to stimuli! In addition the horse’s memory of all previous handling or training, both good and bad, will affect his ability to process new information. Horses have one of the best memories on the planet!
They literally remember everything!
The horses learning ability is therefore influenced by its genetic make up. There are some behaviours that horses are naturally programmed to do as part of their survival mechanism, the most alarming for us, is their instant reaction to fearful stimuli – Spooking! For the horse, however, this is a unique life saving response to stimuli – the very instant a horse is alerted to a potentially fearful situation, a part of the brain called the Hypothalamus is simultaneously activated with the Piturity and Adrenalin Glands (known as the HPA axis) this mechanism tells the horse to move its legs – FAST! It is known as the ‘flight’ response, we see it in other species like antelope and deer.
It is this natural response (HPA) that has ensured that the wild horse can survive/out run attacks by its predators. It remains one of the responses most dangerous to riders and handlers, it is a natural automatic, body reflex/response that cannot be stopped, only ‘suppressed or diluted’ by good training – It is important to note that when in ‘flight response’ the ability to learn/listen is lost!
“They are thinking with their feet”
Many of us have been told for years when leading or riding a horse in a fearful situation to “keep him going!” When in fact the opposite, in most cases, is actually the most effective, that is to “keep him still” By successfully training Stop! We help keep the horse Calm. Keeping the horses legs still, means we do not further stimulate the HPA flight response, training for Calm is essential for safety and for learning.
Nature has provided the horse with an excellent memory – because the horse has evolved to out-run its predators and because it lives a continually roaming life with the herd, seeking out new pastures – this excellent memory enables the horse to continually learn about his new environment in order to survive another day! This makes horses very easy subjects to retrain – as they are literally programmed to never stop learning!
Horse training following ‘learning theory’ methods is therefore straightforward, it doesn’t allow for mis-interpretation etc. Essentially we need to correctly train our horse to ‘Stop’ and ‘Go’, to ‘Stand’ and ‘Head down’, if he can understand and obey these four simple commands willingly and calmly we can then begin to train or re-train everything else – Just imagine if, in and ideal world, every dangerous or exciting situation that you faced with your horse, he did exactly as you said, Stop!, Go!, Stand!
How much safer and happier you both would be!
Here are some Q’s and A’s that I have answered based on the principles of ‘Learning Theory’, Applied Ethology and Equitation Science.
We strongly recommend that you ask your veterinary surgeon to check if your horse is displaying ‘out of context’ or ‘dangerous’ behaviour due to pain in case there is an underlying physical problem.
Do also ensure that your trainer obtains your Vets permission before they undertake any behaviour training with your horse.
Question
How can I train my horse to be calm and safe?
Click here to read the answer
Question
Why do some horses behave badly?
Click here to read the answer
Question
My young horse (5 years old) speeds up in trot and is very difficult to hold in canter – he is worse with other horses and if I take him on his own he spooks at everything and wants to turn for home the whole time – would a stronger bit help? Currently I ride him in a jointed snaffle.
Click here to read the answer
Question
My horse who is 12 years old hates the Farrier. I have owned him for five years, every time the Farrier calls the Vet has to come and sedate him, this has now resulted in us having a battle with the Vet as well, as he knows what is coming – Help! I dread the stress and expense every 8 weeks?
Click here to read the answer