Handling Fear Clinic

Fear. This is a dangerous thing when it happens between horse and rider. When either party is afraid, there is the possibility of losing control. When control is lost, someone will get hurt.

One needs to realize that horses do not react to fear in the same way people do. For thousands of years, horses have survived because of their flight instinct. They react rather than reason. When they come upon unfamiliar situations, they will more than likely spook and try to flee than stay to see if there really is a danger. A rider must strive to encourage his horse to overcome it's own naturally occurring fear. Since horses are by nature herd animals, the rider must take the position of herd leader. Horses put their trust and confidence into their leader for their safety and well being. They depend on the leader to keep them safe from any danger.

When a rider is afraid, the horse can sense it. We want to teach new riders or those who have had bad experiences how to keep control when fear does arise without ever getting on the horse. We do this through ground control and bridle control. It is through the repetition of cues that will build confidence in both rider and horse. The goal is to get the horse so responsive to these cues, that no matter how afraid or distracted he gets he will focus back on the rider and his directions. The rider then has the confidence in knowing that the horse will respond in a positive manner when given routine instructions or even when frightening circumstances occur.