What causes behavioural issues?

Pain and medical conditions should always be the first port of call when it comes to behavioural issues. A horse is genetically programmed to avoid pain/discomfort and will exhibit ‘flight or fight’ behaviour in an effort to avoid it. Environmental restrictions, management, nutrition, previous learning experiences or owner fear and lack of confidence can also contribute to the development of behavioural issues. Often the cause is a complex mix of several  of these.

My horse doesn’t have a behaviour problem, but can you help improve our general relationship?

Understanding the science of learning , cognition and behaviour in the horse is not just useful to those owners who have a problem with their equine. Anyone who wants to understand their animal more will benefit from  horsemanship lessons.
Simply by understanding how to shape behaviour, safely stretch comfort zones and develop trust, you can improve the relationship between you and your horse. It can also help to reduce the likelihood of a future behavioural issue developing

My horse is herd bound, can you help?

Yes. Herd bound behaviour is natural for horses. Being part of a herd is essential for survival. If your horse is showing anxiety when you work with him away from other horses then this is an indication that the horse does not feel secure in your presence. Ground work to develop a relationship through trust, security and consistency then transferred into ridden work will help to eradicate this issue. Learning to focus your horses mind on you and the task at hand is essential. A horses feet will always want to go where his mind is. If his mind is on the herd, he will try to do anything physically possible to get himself back to them. If his mind is on you, he will be more attuned to your cues and ideas.