We all have a circle of trust; that invisible circle that contains our loved ones, those we can depend upon through good times and bad times. Sometimes, the only person in our circle of trust is ourselves. Horses, also, have a circle of trust. At birth, the circle of trust contains two individuals, foal and mother.
In an ideal world, the young horse’s circle of trust enlarges to embrace other horses, barn-yard animals, and humans. In that world, by trial and error, the horse learns the social rules of the members in his circle of trust. He learns where he fits and feels secure.
Usually though, there is a break in the circle of trust. It may start during the weaning process. The trauma may cause the colt to remove the humans that separated him from his mother from his circle of trust. Another breach in the circle of trust may occur when the young horse is sold. Everyone the horse has ever known disappears. The horse finds itself in a world of strangers, a world of confusion, with different rules and different routines.
If the horse finds himself in a home where he is welcomed with empathy, encouragement, and support, he will become relaxed, self-confident, and confident in those around him. He will find himself in a world where he will be able to include new people in his circle of trust.
Unfortunately, some horses find themselves in homes where, no matter how hard they try to do the right thing, they are constantly punished, they are constantly fearful. They may be forced to repeatedly run in circles, their heads may be yanked in every direction, their sides kicked and poked. Metal is shoved in their mouth and they are forced to hold their head in uncomfortable positions for long stretches of time. Many are kept in confinement where they are unable to make friends with anyone. Some horses learn to dislike certain humans, other horses give up on the human race altogether. These unhappy horses may find themselves alone in their circle of trust. Some become broken and dispirited. Others become resistant, or aggressive and rebellious. Unhappy horses break down not only behaviorally but physically as well.
If horse owners want their horse to be happy and healthy it is helpful for them to contemplate who is in their horse’s circle of trust. If the horse owner is not in that circle of trust, the horse owner must discover why. Perhaps the horse owner has begun objectifying the horse and must reawaken to a new awareness of the individual majesty and dignity of the horse. Perhaps it is the training philosophy that must be changed from one based on fear to a philosophy based on praise. Sometimes it is the riding discipline that the horse finds over-taxing. Sometimes it is the owner’s riding style, lack of balance, habit of pulling on the reins, or constant kicking.
To re-establish the horse’s confidence in humans the horse owner must learn to read the horse’s face and body language to understand what the horse is feeling. The horse owner must break the communication barrier and strive to interact with the horse in ways that are kind, clear, simple, and easily understood. The horse must feel calm at all times and any tactics that use force or create fear must be discontinued. Rather than resorting to power and control to make a horse to do something, a reward system should be put in place to encourage the horse to relax and enjoy learning.
Horses are resilient creatures. Most horses will learn to trust again if given the chance. Be in your horse’s circle of trust. Be the one person your horse can be sure of.
By Chris Forté
More ideas on deepening your bond with your horse: