Punishing your horse is NEVER the answer... not even in those little moments

As prey animals, horses are wired for flight first, not fight. Understanding this fundamental aspect of their nature, combined with the wisdom of good horsemanship and classical dressage, reveals why punishment will never lead to positive, lasting results.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗱-𝗪𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘆 𝗔𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗹

Imagine being constantly on alert, with your primary defense mechanism being to flee from perceived danger. That's a horse's reality. Just because they become accustomed to the situations and surroundings we place them in, doesn’t mean that this changes. Their nervous systems are hard-wired for flight from danger as a primary means of survival.

When we introduce punishment (physical or intimidation-based), we activate their inherent fear response. Instead of learning, they become anxious, shut down, or even more reactive. They aren't "misbehaving" out of spite. They're reacting out of instinct.

“But my horse is resisting!” Well, you might not like to hear the truth about it, but that’s been learned. The horse doesn’t know what it is to resist the rider’s aids until they are taught to do it. Yes, that means that somewhere along the line they are TAUGHT to resist by a poor presentation from the rider. This stems from a poor application of the aids, or a poor release of them when the horse tried to do the right thing, both resulting in confusion and what rider’s commonly refer to as “resistance.” But just like they can learn to resist the aids and requests, they can be taught to soften and respond, instead. It’s up to US to help them understand… and again, punishing them doesn’t help a horse to soften and respond. Only consistent and clear communication can do that.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝘂𝘀… 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲

The philosophy of good horsemanship emphasizes working with a horse's natural instincts, not against them. It's about building trust, understanding their communication, and creating a partnership based on mutual respect. Punishment, by its very nature, erodes trust. A horse that fears you won't willingly offer their best... they'll only comply to avoid discomfort, leading to a superficial and often tense relationship. Understanding and confidence comes from clear communication, consistent guidance, and the kind of reinforcement that encourages the horse to want to cooperate.

Think about even the little things that you see riders doing… swatting a horse for not standing still, jerking on a lead rope if a horse is pawing, kicking a horse because they “wont get off my inside leg,” sawing on the reins to “make them softer in the hand.” There’s hundreds of examples I’m sure we could list here… but they are all just as ineffective at establishing confidence and understanding in the horse. Superficial obedience is not the same as a harmonious partnership.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝘂𝘀… 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲

While often seen as a discipline of precision, classical dressage, at its core, is about developing a horse's physical and mental well-being to achieve harmony and lightness. This is built on principles of relaxation, rhythm, suppleness, and connection – all of which are impossible to achieve under duress. A horse that is anticipating punishment will be tense, braced, and unwilling to move freely or engage their body correctly. The goal is to develop a willing and happy athlete, not a coerced one.

Force creates resistance and avoidance. Understanding creates willingness and confidence.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗼𝗺 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 – 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿

Punishment teaches a horse to fear, to avoid, or to simply go through the motions. It breaks down communication and trust, leading to a host of behavioral issues and, more importantly, a diminished bond. Punish “this” and pretty soon “that” pops up. It’s like a game of “whack-a-mole” where you’re just left banging one problem away only to find another one pop up in its place.

The principles of good horsemanship and classical dressage, in their purest forms, advocate for a profound understanding of the horse's mind and body. When we operate from a place of empathy, clear communication, and tactful requests, we unlock a horse's potential and foster a partnership built on genuine understanding, confidence, and willingness.

Let's choose understanding over intimidation, and partnership over punishment.