Why do so many people ask how to correct a horse, when they are the ones causing the problem?

Question

I am getting tired of hearing people complain about their horses attitude or manners, when they are causing the problem.

So many times I hear or see someone saying "they are fine with everyone else but when I ....... ...... ....."

HELLO!!

It is like a mathematical equation, if something jibes, then remove it. If you aren't sure what the problem is, then take a good hard look - it will be there, in front of your eyes, you just have to stop being proud about yourself and your abilities, and get help with your riding or handling issues.

Maybe you should just admit the horse is too much for you, and sell them to someone who is perfect for them before you ruin them.

Sometimes it is just a case of a personality mismatch but both you and the horse will be happier with someone else.

A horse is not a machine; if you want perfection and absolute control, get a quad bike or a bicycle - not some poor horse!

Hello, Cap de m.....

Animals are very predictable! It is a science and proven.

A horse is a prey animal, they do not attack anyone for no reason, the one who chased someone out of the field probably thought they had a treat for them and was just anxious to get to it asap. Just raise your arms and take a step or two forward, the horse will either stop or veer away.

Again, everything you have said proves what I have said - YOU ARE THE PROBLEM! Not the horse / dog in question (where did the dog come from? Maybe most animals you meet don't like you? Ever been bitten by a flea?).

HELLO!!

Answer 1

Charles de Kunffy always says the horse is not a machine. A lovely reminder of our responsibility..
People complain about the animal because they do not understand how the animal thinks and sees the world and assume quite incorrectly that the animal is 'out to get them' 'doing it deliberately' 'in a mood'.
I see our role as that of educators for the animal. If I get asked a similar question, I take the time to explain that horses think differently and that no horse ever got up in the morning intent on annoying or harming their handler. Most people dont realise horses are reactive and not pro-active. Try and help educate and save your ire for those who harm and dont care. They are the ones who need it! Be glad you are able to help the silent and suffering. Blessings to you and Mulereiner.

Answer 2

Wow ... why all the hostility? If you're getting tired of "hearing people complain", it sounds like you're a "mismatch" for this forum. HELLO!

So what if it's the person's fault and not their horse's. Don't you think it would be a good idea if someone could tell them that? Isn't that what we do here? Why shouldn't someone be able to ask a question and, regardless of whose fault it is, get an answer that doesn't degrade them in any way?

People who are new to the horse world will have all kinds of questions, and I hope they feel comfortable enough to ask anything they want, without worrying if someone like you is going to tell them to "sell their horse".

Personally, I enjoy reading all the questions & answers. You may want to check out the etiquette that the knowledgeable people use on this forum. They don't judge others, are very helpful, and are NEVER rude. Take notes!

Answer 3

Asking how to correct the problem is a way of asking what they are doing wrong. If you see the problem correct them.

However I have seen horses go berserk and try to kill for little or no reason. They are not all nice animals.

As a scientist I can tell you that animal behavior is most certainly UNPREDICTABLE! I am surprised that an experienced animal handler of any kind what so ever would say differently. Yes there are patterns and lots of them. However sometimes you simply get an animal that does not fit the pattern. Then what? What do you do when a horse deliberately tries to kill its owner? Not because it was provoked but because of something much more obscure.

Case in point. Some TWH's were bred to be vicious (not all mind you, just some). These were the animals bred to oversee the slaves. They were large horses, usually 16 hands or better, and had a habit of being quite vicious. This kept the slaves cowering.

Another case in point, I know a women who had a mare for years. One day the woman went out to catch and ride her. The horse charged her in the field and nearly got her before she got out. This was her horse and behaved quite well most of the times. But this behavior though rare is why many old timers would not allow their wives to catch and tack the horses.

I know a stud who broke his owner's shoulder in three places and another who wold kick anyone trying to handle him.

I know of a mare so mean that she would go out of her way to chase anyone but her owner out of the field. Her owner never beat or abused her nor did anyone else.

Now, do you still say a horse will not attack without reason? I'll admit it is unusual but never say never. Sometimes it really is the animal!

Answer 4

Jeeeez ... I'm never going to ask a question again!

MY horse is a perfect machine, I don't want a quad bike, and I don't know any mathematical equations. Sounds like my horse and I are mismatched! Time to sell him before I ruin him!

(Why so many HELLOs? Are you hard of hearing? Put your ear right up to the screen ... that might help.)

Answer 5

So Sorry to hear that you are annoyed at reading and answering horse owner related questions on a question and answer forum. This forum makes me feel that I can be a better partner through the anonymous help of others. I truly come to this forum to seek knowledge as my horse's partner. I am envious that you know so much! Good for you!

Answer 6

There are a VAST majority of (--------- insert your word here) people that truly truly truly truly think that any behavioural issue they are having with their horse is 100% the horse's fault.

I see it at shows all too often - people whacking the sh** out of their horse and acting like it's all the horse's fault. Taking a step back, catching your breath and looking at the situation from a far can make you realize that it's YOUR training, and YOUR handling that is creating the horse to act the way it does, but stepping back like that is far far far too hard for many people -

It would make them face the fact that they are wrong. And too many people are content with their own "perfect" horsemanship, so it's far easier to blame the "dumb" animal.

Answer 7

well i for one have one that is wild a s a betcha bug ( whatever that is my mom always said it) but if he is running at ya like when we first get there he runs up to the gate all you have to do is say whoa and he stops he wouldnt purposly hurt noone i mean if your in his way when he gets spooked which is often he might go thru you but thats nature its all how much they trust ya i think

Answer 8

Hey, everyone has to start somewhere, at least the askers of these questions are actually looking for an answer. We were all beginners at some point so cut them some slack.

Answer 9

Amen

Answer 10

i know, its annoying when people will ask like "why does my horse buck when i go to the canter".....but then they say "i know i don't have a very secure leg and my horse is sensitive when i use spurs, but its not my fault"

.....umm, yeah it is. if u KNOW u are making ur sensitive horse uncomfortable with ur swinging legs and spurs, it IS your fault.
so don't yell at people for saying u aren't experienced enough. dont yell when they say get a trainer out. and please dont get mad when they say sell it.

when u put a question on here, dont get mad when people don't answer exactly what u wanted.