We all want to understand our horses better. Why do they do what they do? And how can I tell whether I read their behaviour correctly?
Let me start with my first Icelandic mare:
10 years ago I would have put her behaviour down to a general enjoyment of life (particularly when ridden, i.e. when I was around!) Today I am not so sure anymore...Was she just running? Or was she running away from something?
What follows are 3 very different articles on the notion of how to read the signs when creating the bomb-proof, reliable (read "predictable") horse that give me a lot to think about. The first one concerns the question "What is a safe horse", and part of the answer, according to Callie King:
https://www.crktrainingblog.com/horses-life/what-is-a-safe-horse/
Let me start with my first Icelandic mare:
- sensible head on her shoulders - she never spooked at anything, or refused an obstacle,
- fast - calm on the ground, not unmanageable, but off like a pocket rocket when mounted. It was always easier to ride her in the front of the group,
- "cheeky, or "having a sense of humour" - well, I enjoyed that energy and forwardness, and sneaking to the front at every opportunity.
10 years ago I would have put her behaviour down to a general enjoyment of life (particularly when ridden, i.e. when I was around!) Today I am not so sure anymore...Was she just running? Or was she running away from something?
What follows are 3 very different articles on the notion of how to read the signs when creating the bomb-proof, reliable (read "predictable") horse that give me a lot to think about. The first one concerns the question "What is a safe horse", and part of the answer, according to Callie King:
https://www.crktrainingblog.com/horses-life/what-is-a-safe-horse/