How Can I Correct Bad Behaviour in My Horse?
When a horse displays what we consider to be “bad behaviour,” it’s natural to feel frustrated or concerned. Whether it’s bucking, refusing to move forward, or being difficult to handle on the ground, such behaviours can disrupt training and even pose safety risks. However, before attempting to address the issue directly, it’s essential to consider the underlying causes. More often than not, bad behaviour is a sign of a deeper problem that needs attention, such as pain, confusion, or tension.
Here, we’ll explore why understanding the root cause is crucial and how taking a step back in training can often yield better results than tackling the issue head-on.
1. Check for Pain or Discomfort First
One of the most common reasons for sudden behavioural changes in horses is pain or physical discomfort. If your horse suddenly starts displaying unwanted behaviours, such as resisting certain movements, becoming aggressive, or refusing to work, a physical issue could be the root cause. It’s important to rule out any medical or physical problems before considering it a training issue.
Here are some areas to investigate:
Saddle Fit: An ill-fitting saddle can cause significant discomfort and even long-term damage, leading to bucking, rearing, or reluctance to move forward.
Dental Issues: Sharp teeth, hooks, or ulcers in the mouth can cause head-tossing, evasion of the bit, or general resistance.
Musculoskeletal Pain: Lameness, back pain, or stiffness can cause a horse to avoid certain movements or display signs of resistance.
If the behaviour is a new occurrence, consult with a vet, saddler, and equine dentist to rule out any physical causes. Only once you are certain that your horse is pain-free should you begin addressing the behaviour through training.
2. Understand That Bad Behaviour is Often a Sign of Confusion
Horses are inherently cooperative animals. They rarely misbehave simply to be difficult. What we perceive as “bad behaviour” is often a result of the horse not understanding what is being asked of it. For example, a horse that throws its head up when you apply the reins might not be defiant; it could be confused or responding to unclear signals. In such cases, it’s essential to revisit the basics of the horse’s training to ensure that it has a solid foundation and a clear understanding of what is expected.
When correcting unwanted behaviours, ask yourself the following:
Does the horse understand the cues I am using?
Am I being consistent in my aids?
Is the horse relaxed and attentive, or is it showing signs of stress?
If there’s any doubt, it’s usually best to go back to groundwork and basic schooling exercises to reinforce the horse’s understanding and build its confidence.
3. Tension and Anxiety: The Hidden Culprits
A tense or anxious horse is far more likely to exhibit unwanted behaviours than a relaxed one. Nervousness can manifest in different ways, from fidgeting and pawing to more dangerous actions such as bolting or rearing. When faced with a tense horse, instead of confronting the problem directly, take a step back and assess the horse’s overall emotional state. Is the horse relaxed when standing still, being handled, or performing simpler tasks?
If not, you’ll need to focus on relaxation and confidence-building exercises before expecting the horse to perform more advanced tasks. For example:
Groundwork Exercises: Yielding exercises, such as moving the hindquarters or forehand on the ground, can help a tense horse refocus its attention and relax.
Desensitisation: Introducing new objects or situations in a controlled manner can help build the horse’s confidence and reduce anxiety.
The goal is to create a calm, focused mindset so that the horse is in a position to learn and respond positively.
4. Don’t Rush to Correct: Go Back to Basics
When faced with bad behaviour, it’s tempting to want to correct it immediately. However, directly confronting the behaviour—such as punishing a horse that rears—can often escalate the issue and damage the horse’s trust in you. Instead, take a step back in the horse’s training and revisit the basics. For example:
If the horse is resistant to going forward under saddle, check its response to basic groundwork cues such as leading and yielding. Ensure it understands and respects forward pressure when asked from the ground before expecting it to do so under saddle.
If the horse is difficult to handle on the ground, such as pushing or barging, go back to basic leading exercises. Teach it to halt, back up, and yield to pressure in a controlled environment to re-establish respect and understanding.
By building a solid foundation, you are setting the horse up for success and reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings that lead to bad behaviour.
5. Make Training Relaxed and Rewarding
When trying to correct bad behaviour, ensure that training remains a positive experience for your horse. This means using plenty of praise and rewards when the horse gives the desired response, and avoiding harsh corrections. Horses thrive on a relaxed, reward-based approach which will yield far better results than punishment.
Use Small, Achievable Steps: Break down tasks into smaller components and reward the horse for each step in the right direction. If your horse is struggling with a particular manoeuvre, go back to a simpler version and build up slowly.
Focus on Relaxation and Rhythm: Incorporate plenty of relaxed walking and stretching exercises into your sessions, particularly if the horse tends to become tense or anxious.
6. Consider the Environment
Sometimes, a change of environment can make all the difference. A horse that is misbehaving in the arena might simply be bored or lacking motivation. In such cases, consider taking the horse out of the arena and incorporating a variety of activities:
Hacking out in company can be an excellent way to encourage forwardness in a horse that is unwilling to move out.
Introducing poles, obstacles, or even a small jump can give the horse a new focus, making training sessions more engaging.
Incorporate different training environments to challenge the horse’s mind and body.
Final Thoughts: Patience and Understanding are Key
Correcting bad behaviour in horses is not about punishment or domination—it’s about understanding why the horse is acting out and addressing the root cause. Always start by ruling out pain or discomfort, and then consider whether confusion, tension, or lack of understanding might be contributing to the problem. Taking the time to revisit the basics and ensuring your horse is relaxed and confident will create a solid foundation on which to build more advanced training.
Above all, be patient. Horses are sensitive, intelligent animals, and it’s up to us as their handlers to communicate clearly, calmly, and consistently. With time, understanding, and a positive approach, you’ll find that most “bad” behaviours can be transformed into willing and cooperative responses.
