Lessons from the dominant fearful horse personality

What I have learned from this personality is that because the fear issue influences the rider’s safety we tend to over focus on that issue. It is true that when dealing with a fearful horse you need to be a worthy leader and supply the courage for the horse. Your horse has to realize that it’s safe to experience new things when they are with you. It’s about paying attention to their fear reaction and knowing when to slow things down and let the horse process what he is experiencing . Many trainers do this naturally and the mutual trust is built. The problem comes when the owner can’t carry out the same level of confidence for the horse. Teaching the owner how to supply this leadership energy is necessary; many times this takes tapping into aspects of ones personality that one is not use to using.

One area that I feel is overlook is the dominant aspect of the horse’s nature. This part of the horse’s personality wants some self expression and choice in the partnership. We tend to over control this personality because we judge their willful nature. What I have found in working with these horses is that they tend to blow up with no indication that it was brewing. I feel that it is very important to give these horses opportunities to make a few decisions in the workout periods. It could be simple tasked like asking a horse to walk past something when they are ready and also in agreement to do it. This may require the handler to give the horse a few seconds to process what scares them. It’s about not overly forcing this personality but waiting for their cooperation. I had one horse that hated going to the left when I would circle him. I understood that it was physically difficult for him, but would ask him to do it with less and less of my influence. The point of partnering with the horse is observed when I come around and asked him to make the choice to turn to the left and then drop left rein contact. There is a hesitation on the horse’s part where he could go either way, to avoid or to make a choice of cooperation. It is such a great reward for the rider to know the horse choose to cooperate even though it was difficult for them. Reward for the horse is to be given by the rider. I tell them how brave they are and drop a hand to pat the wither. Most horses do want to please and they enjoy being told they are good. Use your voice and enthusiasm, it is very influential.