Putting Horses First: An Ethical Equine Approach

As an avid horse lover and mother, as well as an equine consultant and ranch manager, I have made it my mission to assist horses and their people throughout all different facets of their lives. In this statement, I intentionally list horses first, because, in my humble opinion, we must put them first in order to establish better trust and build our relationships from within, a stance that necessarily involves perceiving the world through their eyes. I have created a HORSE FIRST Ethical Equine Approach to embody and facilitate this powerful philosophy.

I begin with FIRST, standing for Fundamental Introspective Response to Solidify Trust (in Training and Otherwise). This HORSE FIRST Ethical Equine Approach follows these simple principles and rules, in regard to training, handling, and response:

·       Leadership, not control.

·       Correction, not punishment.

·       Listening more than whispering.

·       Making, not breaking.

·       Appreciation, always.

With these principles and this forgiving approach, we set ourselves up, and our horses, for a higher likelihood of understanding and success. There are times when we need to take a firm stance in leadership; but perception and approach can make all the difference in the world, especially when it comes to such sentient beings.

We are the parent, teachers, and kind leaders in this equation. But they can definitely be our teachers as well. For example, they often teach us lessons in patience and understanding. At these trying times, when things don’t go exactly as planned, stop, if you can (safely), and LISTEN before choosing your reaction. Here is a good set of steps with those letters to remember:

·       L - Listen: The first is the actual word, Listen...to what your horse is trying to say, not the possible lies already planted in our heads (he/she is out to get me, etc). Listen to the reality of the situation, in the moment, in reactivity, in training, and in handling. You might be surprised by what the horse will tell you if you listen.

·       I - Introspection: Is your horse’s reaction to the situation because of something you did? Is there a lack of understanding, on either side? Look to yourself and your communication as a first possible cause.

·       S - Something: Is what happened due to something external? Something physical? Something painful? Try to determine if something uncomfortable for your horse is the possible cause other than the assumption of intentional bad behavior.

·       T - Training and Tack: Does your horse have enough training for what you are asking them to do? Do they understand what you are asking? Do they have a bad association, such as a bad experience, involving that ask in the past (that you know of, or possibly do not)? Or could ill fitting tack or improper aids be the problem?

·       E - Environment: Has something in the environment triggered the resistance or behavior? Wind? Animals? Weather change? Hormones? New herd dynamics?

·       N - New Approach: Could a new approach change the entire picture? Is their personality such that they might work better in a different way or in an entirely different capacity?

Rather than jumping to the conclusion of blaming a horse for “misbehavior,” this approach and strategy necessitates a pause (even if momentary), placing the onus and responsibility on us, their leaders, to determine a more fair and appropriate reaction that is more proactive than reactive, with understanding, fairness, and their best interest at heart. My hope, for you and your horse, is that it will become the “go-to” immediate reaction, for you to think through your horse, and LISTEN, not through yourself, while also keeping you and your horse safe. 

This is not an approach that negates strength and leadership; this is a proven way to bridge understanding between our species, in a way puts them first, has a greater likelihood of long-term cooperation and success, and acknowledges our privilege and responsibilities as their caretakers.

Let me repeat, this does not mean we should not firmly correct a horse, especially in matters of safety. But it frames the response in a very different way; a respectful way; a mindset that seeks to solve and resolve, not punish. Because no matter what your horse has done or is doing, they are a horse, just being a horse. They are responding to whatever stimuli and circumstance as they only know how to, in their own way. So, take the high road. You are the teacher. You are the leader. Try to understand them. Then, teach.

And one more thing…

It is important to note, that with a more Ethical Equine Approach, we do not assume nor anticipate bad behavior from the beginning. We are ready for it, of course. But with horses, this shift in anticipation is crucial. They pick up on our energies, our assumptions, and presumptions. Thus, if we approach a horse knowing it will be "naughty,” more often than not, it will be. On the same note, if we get on a horse knowing that WE have no business riding that day, more than likely things won’t go well, and it won’t be the horse’s fault.

I take this notion as far as name-calling; if you call a horse an a-hole, more than likely it will live into that name, even before you speak it out loud. Horses are self-fulfilling prophecies. On the flip side of this understanding is the gift that if we approach them with an open heart and mind, there is so much to learn and to receive, both about them and the world around them, and about ourselves.

So remember, put your HORSE FIRST. They will thank you for it. And you will be rewarded by the cooperative and trusting gift that is truly them.