Horse Psychology

Knowing horse psychology simply means being able to interpret horse language.

Watch your horse for an indication of what he is going to do. Actually, an animal telegraphs every move he will make. It is up to the owner to learn to "read" his horse.

Here are some animal psychology 101
- When an animal is going to shy or buck the muscles of his back tense and can be felt through the saddle.
- Ears stiffly forward means the animal is very alert. This means interest, curiosity, or fear.
- One ear forward and one back means he is listening for the rider and keeping an ear pointed for something ahead.
- Ears laid slightly back means he doesn't like something or doesn't want to do what is asked.
- Ears laid back flat against the head means the animal is vicious or angry. He will try to fight, either the owner or another horse.

A horse needs something to depend on. Having your horse depend on you is the key to success in training. You seldom see him alone by choice. The saddest thing is to see a lone horse in a pasture. Even at the racetrack the thoroughbred has a chicken, or a goat, or a dog. Sometimes a small pony.

The only animal they really can't stand are pigs. I have two pot-bellied pigs and I can see that the horses just do not care for them.

O.K. back to horse psychology:

The horse may be able to understand only twelve command words, but the tone of your voice is most important

In general the horse is a timid animal and has to develop confidence in you to the point where he will trust you implicitly.

They demand attention and craves affection.

However, He does things only to satisfy
- his hunger,
- demandsfor comfort,
- and curiosity and attention.

He cannot concentrate for long periods of time, about 3 seconds is average for reprimanding a naughty horse, after which he has forgotten and will not understand the reprimand