SIGNS A HORSE DOESN’T RESPECT YOU | Horse Behavior Guide

Does your horse respect you? If you're unsure, In this video, I share some common horse behaviors that indicate a horse doesn't respect you. The good news is, most of these can be corrected fairly easily!
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Hi there! 👋 I'm Carmella. I’ve been obsessed with horses for as long as I can remember, and I make videos about all things horse training, horseback riding, and living an equestrian lifestyle. New videos are uploaded every Friday so subscribe now to stay connected! You can learn more about my horse story here: equinehelper.com/about-carmel...
I've written over 100 helpful horse articles @ equinehelper.com/!
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[@EquineHelper]

Big news! 🎉 🐴 My course on gaining & maintaining your horse’s respect is now live! If you’re interested, you can learn more here: shop.equinehelper.com/

[@300tdavis]

Training horses is an art. You need to apprentice with a really great horse educator (aka equine trainer). It takes years. Frankly, you are not experienced enough. Ya need to train hundreds if not thousands of horses as an apprentice.

[@bethgerst8498]

@@300tdavis do you know one of these horse educators that are not charging thousands of dollars for their "course"? Or that are taking on horses to educate? It really does not take a brain scientist to teach a horse to release pressure, stand tied, or respect you. Not all methods are for all horses or people. Everyone has their own way. I don't think working with 100s or 1000s of horses makes you an educator...i have seen many older trainers who have worked with alot of horses and I would not let them train and guinea pig let alone my horse. Lol.... everyone is entitled to their opinion but maybe when it has no real merit or content it should be kept to yourself. 😉

[@300tdavis]

@@bethgerst8498 lol back at ya. I wasn't writing to you, I was writing to Equine Helper, but since you chimed in... FYI - pressure and release begins with your body and energy (w/ feel and timing) and being in congruency with the horse, frankly that takes time and experience. Look up the word respect in the dictionary. I don't think the horse feels a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements during your pressure and release. Ha! I love it when folks challenge. Yes, I do Beth. And that person is ME! I help people and horses and don't charge a thing. I am for the horse!!!!!! Horses deserve a better deal. They've hauled us around, built our country, fought our wars, etc. etc. I'm here for the horse. It's not about older trainers, it's about the 70 percent of ALL trainers today shouldn't have the title that anyone can say they have. Why don't you help horses, too? Learn from the best of the best instead of wasting valuable time doing stuff like you are doing.

[@KevinMooreFan33]

Ty lady because I don't have clue. Little to any experience or understanding. I'll look up your course. I'm one of those people that like over study before I actually do something I don't have one yet and won't until I have some confidence that I am not going to psychologically damage the horse or make some stupid mistake that traumatize them.

[@KevinMooreFan33]

I'm going to start out with some gentle horses and move up to rescue but I'm sure that's going to take a lot of study. I sure do want to save some horses that are not being treated right.

[@whobeyou5342]

Tucker is so well behaved and so well trained, he knows exactly how to Act untrained on cue!

[@ajogoz]

I know! It’s hard to imagine these videos without his calm presence.

[@GodsSparrowSpeaks]

😂

[@danielforrest3871]

I don't own, nor have I ever owned a horse, she is a really great presenter, makes this really interesting, and Tucker makes it work...

[@oliviarackley1333]

Idk if it’s on cue- but he is a good horse

[@karenmcilvena4541]

Isn’t he gorgeous?! I’ve just finished writing a comment where I say half the time I’m so busy gazing adoringly at Tucker I miss half of what she’s saying 😂

[@RaleighLink]

It needs to be stated that although these signs can indicate a lack of respect, most often they can also indicate pain or discomfort in the horse. Too many people misread pain as a bad horse. If your horse randomly starts misbehaving or not listening to you, it's most often some area of pain or discomfort, especially if it's a horse who's being worked often like lesson horses. Know your animals and don't assume that every time your horse doesn't listen it's automatically disrespect.

[@laurasalo7331]

This exactly! I have been to riding schools and they say the horse "has a temper" or disrespect when they act out but I was thinking they are probably having some pain. That's why I don't go them anymore. A horse should be a friend.

[@laurarodrigues9370]

like my tutor told me once ''not because he displays the behavior once means he's automatically feeling something, having something or doing something'' its the sequence of the same behaviors, put together with others signs, that will indicate a possible outcome for the horse's actions or attitude. Either it's pain or disrespect, I believe that u cant tell them just by doing it once or twice, it needs to be analyzed and sometimes, the horse does have a temper, and sometimes it can be a discomfort. I believe the video's purpose was giving up the signs that ''It could indicate this'' and not saying ''this is exactly what your horse will do if he doesn't respect you''. I mean sure if he does check all the boxes within the behavior, has nothing wrong during his daily life according to the care taker, has good performance while working, it probably means he simply doesn't respect you. Most dogs don't respect their owners yet they are with them everyday lmfao shoulnd't be so hard for a horse to do so.

[@its.laura.brown.]

Your right! Our horse is such a good boy, real sweet, then suddenly he got all mad, mean, bucking, biting, soon we realized he had a Olser (or however u spell it)

[@lauracole501]

This is almost a Laura exclusive chat 💬😂 I completely agree. It’s so easy to personify horses and hold them to our selfish human standards. They don’t owe us anything, but they can be great partners when they too feel respected. It’s dangerous to demand respect without giving it in return. I don’t think this video is inherently bad but it is enforcing a mindset that leads to horses who stop communicating at all because they either are not shown that they’ve been heard, let alone understood, or it’s brought them further pain even when that’s not the intent. It’s tough for me seeing stuff like this. I recently sold my horse because I fell into a place where I couldn’t give her the life I felt she deserved and she now resides across the country with a friend of mine. It always worried me to put her in anyone else’s hands because I see so much aversion to horses opinions and voices these days when they’re trying to say that they aren’t comfortable. I’m lucky because I know that she’s listened to and I’m shown that again and again when they give me updates and stories but it’s such an epidemic really. I’ve never been at one barn where I didn’t feel like an outsider because I didn’t show my horse who’s boss when they were trying to tell me something.

[@its.laura.brown.]

@@lauracole501 omg what the heck, I didn’t even realize when I commented!

[@jbiniok5430]

NOTE! Many of these are signs of disrespect ONLY if the horse has already been trained to lower his head, lift his feet, etc., and purposely disregards you. When I got a new horse that wouldn't back up when cued, the rider manhandled him thinking he was being disobedient when e the horse simply did not know what the rider was asking! Poor horse got so upset to be treated this way! Don't always be too quick to judge a horse's behavior!

[@jenniferreynolds8584]

I agree, my horse tenses up and sometimes jerks his head when you pull on the lead rope due to being abused in the past, he’s not disrespecting, he’s just scared because of his past. Hopefully people will know their horse well enough to know the differences

[@sllansdown]

Yep! They need to know the answer before you ask the question.

[@CnBlu]

@@sllansdown Warwick Schiller? Elsa Sinclair?

[@CnBlu]

A lot of what you label as disrespect can just as well be miscommunication. For example, not all horses have been trained that if you press on their poll they should lower their head. Additionally we often inadvertently teach our horses to do things we later label as the horse being disrespectful (by having bad timing or unclear cues). Terming it as disrespect instead of miscommunication makes for a negative outlook and doesn't open us up for solutions. Horses have flexible hierarchies in herds, if there are enough resources they don't need to fight over who gets to be the leader. Humans don't compete with horses for the same resources so we don't need to fight over who is the boss. We do however have to be consistent and trustworthy.

[@mrdark9916]

what you need to be is dominant. if your horse starts pulling shit that you know is intentional bad behavior for the sole purpose of dicking with you, you need to tackle that problem immediately. with pain and discomfort. wanna kick? ok your getting shackled to the wall with your head tied down. wanna buck? okay, your getting knocked on top of the head with the butt of a revolver wanna bite? okay, bite this ass whipping with a lead rope across the face wanna bump and knock into me? okay your getting bumped back... in the fucking face.

[@virginiamoss7045]

I totally agree! It's never the horse's fault. They are not capable of human psychological constructs like disrespect.

[@TriciaAgnew]

@@virginiamoss7045 oh yes they are! You don’t know how intelligent these animals are.

[@virginiamoss7045]

@@TriciaAgnew You interpret their actions in human terms when all they are after is what they immediately want for themselves. If you would view them more as what they are, you could work with them more effectively and fairly.

[@CnBlu]

Thank you for the discussion fellow horse people :) I would also add that horses are looking mainly for survival and safety. They want to make decisions that keep them safe, and they want to follow the decisions of someone they trust to keep them safe. What we term as disrespect can also be a situation where the horse does not trust us to keep them safe. How do we show a horse we can make good decisions and are worth following? 1. Noticing their small signs of distress and pausing what we are doing. The small signs are for example turning just their eyes away from you, tensing up their face or neck muscles. 2. Working on new things and skills slowly, making sure we dissect everything we are teaching the horse into small enough pieces for the horse to quickly understand. 3. If the horse has an unwanted behaviour, taking small, considered steps to teach a different, more useful behaviour instead.

[@carlyfenton-wyrick1560]

Hehe Tucker's face when you're bumping into him leading him. You really do explain everything so nicely!

[@daizul5698]

3:05 Easiest trick to stop this behavior is to stop randomly while leading, if they don't stop with you right away (an extra step is fine since they didn't know you were gonna stop) then you back them up. It works pretty quickly, but just reinforce it every time you lead them and it won't be an issue. Eventually, the horse will walk a little further behind, with their head at your shoulder instead of walking shoulder to shoulder. You shouldn't have an issues with stopping while leading either, as some horses will continue to walk and try to drag you when you stop.

[@mobstercrow7515]

When I trained my 3 service dogs how to heel, I did a spin every time they pulled. You can do a full 360, or you can do a 180, take a few steps, and then go back into the original direction.

[@iSheree]

I disagree with the part when pressure is applied to the poll. Some horses have tension there and it hurts. Why is it disrespect if the horse is telling you it hurts or it is uncomfortable? My horse is a grey, she has melanomas there and hates pressure being applied to the poll. She will pull back and even rear. But if you're super gentle she will behave like an angel. Also, if a horse is not picking up their feet when you ask them to, it doesn't always mean disrespect. Again, something could be causing pain or discomfort or even balance issues. People need to learn when their horse is in pain or not before just assuming they are naughty or disrespectful. My horse always picked her feet up for me, just by me pointing and saying "pick up", but after breaking her neck she is really hesitant to pick up her back feet due to neurological damage. I am very lucky to have such an amazing barefoot trimmer that can do my horse's feet without a halter and without having to lift her back feet too high. She is amazing with my horse, so kind, patient, understand and gentle. That's what most horses really want from us.... :)

[@EquineHelper]

Hi Sheree, I totally agree with you and should have noted this in the video. It’s important to rule out health issues before assuming your horse is just being disrespectful. Tucker also has trouble when his feet are being held to high; it throws him off balance a bit!

[@Kimberlyk12]

Horses are never just disrespectful, they have been taught poorly, unintentionally taught the wrong thing or are in pain, or have negative associations to the thing being asked. Horses are NEVER just bad or disrespectful.

[@andreabyrne6527]

@@Kimberlyk12 I was thinking this too. Whilst you may feel 'disrespected' for some (human) reason it really isn't disrespect when it's about the animal not understanding what's being asked of them. Just as a child may not understand what a word means or what your asking of them (Or how well the job/task needs to be done; like the speed or standard of said task) doesn't mean the child is being 'disrespectful' in any way, they simply just don't know what's 'fully' being asked of them. It's a great video with good responses to the questions your horse may be asking of you but the word 'disrespectful' isn't the right one for job in these horses cases.

[@cazzmalcolm]

@@Kimberlyk12 yes that's correct !

[@EquusKeepusBrokus9791]

Medical issues aside, I don’t necessarily think it’s disrespect IMO, but a very bad habit they have. Since the horse has gotten away with it and will keep doing it until the problem habit is fixed. Horses know exactly what they can get away with and continue to do it. This can become dangerous in some instances. They need to know “who is boss” and realize you don’t allow that kind behavior. My rule of thumb is you have 1 second after the horse does this to react, and 1-2 seconds to reprimand, then go on with your day. Don’t hold grudges against your horse. If you don’t react quickly, the animal won’t know why their being reprimanded. And repetition is KEY. Use the same word and/or reaction every time. Whether your reaction is negative or positive the horse will learn. Hope that makes sense. Again this is my opinion and works for me. Great video and no disrespect towards you.

[@TrueN0rth]

Rode all my life but when I finally owned my own horse I hadn’t learned the important lesson of really understanding horse language and correcting these behaviours. My OTTB got my number because I ignored SO many signs. But you are right - very easy to correct with patience, persistence, and consistency!

[@jessicayonnotti9013]

Great video! “The horse isn’t going to get to know you if you’re just sitting on their back all the time”!!!! YES!!!!!! Ground work is #1 most important.

[@allisonnyssens9891]

Thank you. My filly clearly disrespects me. Lots of videos tell you, but don’t offer solutions that tie into many aspects of the bad behaviour. Yours does. I’m grateful for your ideas, since this is the first youngster I’ve started, and she is difficult.

[@blauespony1013]

Don't beat yourself up. Young horses are often more disrespectful (even towards older horses), just like teenagers. If you keep educating your horse, you shall be fine.

[@TheKnittingHobbit]

@@blauespony1013 I agree! Youngsters can be challenging and are exactly like teenagers! Just keep working with them and as they get older it will get better as well!

[@charleschannel2389]

so does my filly she bites me to

[@flaviahermo249]

I have the same problem! I just started working with a filly, and she can’t stand pressure. Sometimes she even would try to bite me when I apply pressure. She is happy to come to me and work with me when there is no pressure involved. I have just been working with her for a week but I’m a little bit frustrated and scared of bitting becoming a problem.

[@blauespony1013]

@@flaviahermo249 Pressure as in "Pressure on body" or as in "negative reinforcement"? The first thing can be that she is very sensitive when it comes to being touched (is it a mare or a colt?). Second thing would mean: Try positive reinforcements. All horses learn differently (like humans).

[@titirititiri6360]

Omg!!!! This big baby is the best actor in front of the camera!!! He is soooo adorable

[@derphyn]

A girl I was dating was an accomplished equestrienne with lots of ribbons from shows. The gelding I'd been working with was intelligent, gentle, and a good judge of character. The moment she got aboard, he bucked her off. He could see she was bad news before I could. I'm glad I took his advice.

[@GodsSparrowSpeaks]

Animals just “know”… You probably saved yourself a lot of trauma. If I had seen the way my ex treated his horses and dogs prior, I would’ve saved myself a lot of trauma… 👍🏼🙏🏼🕊

[@Noble3dprintersLLC]

I know that girl... her name is christine... she no longer jumps horses!

[@mezame3086]

TRUST YOUR PETS!!!

[@user-tp8rg8nj9c]

Horses have the best sense of all! Sorry your girl didn’t turn out, BTW the best Therapist are horses too! 😊🐴🐎🏇

[@tamsynfowlie1492]

Most of these signs of "disrespect" are more likely signs of fear, pain or not understanding. The horse is trying to let you know that they can't do what you are asking. Also if you pay attention there are usually warning signs leading up to extreme behaviour such as bucking. Horses communicate very subtly with body language a lot of the time we don't notice until they're shouting at us. The solutions you gave sound about right though but I think it's important to keep in mind that the horse is probably not being bad just having trouble doing what you ask.

[@virginiamoss7045]

This is really what is happening. It's never the horse's fault. It may be poor training, poor handling, or many other things causing not getting the behavior we want. It's never the horse's fault.

[@Hors3Editz]

The horse I ride sometimes doesn’t respect me when I ride her. My trainer is helping us work together so she can understand. I am learning different ways to communicate with her ( I am new to riding and only have been riding for a year on and off )

[@virginiamoss7045]

@@Hors3Editz Perhaps it is you who is lacking in respect, not the horse, in that you fail to read the horse correctly and are doing things you are unaware of that confuse the horse. It's good that you are trying to learn to do better, but you are coming from a place of the-horse-is-wrong. Where is the horse coming from? What is it thinking and why? What are you doing at any given time that might be influencing the horse? I wish you well in your journey. Please keep the burden of success on yourself, never the horse, because the horse will be a horse at all times. It's not there to please you. It's amazing enough that they are as compliant as they are to our wishes; respect that.

[@Hors3Editz]

@@virginiamoss7045 I understand but the horse is actually a very angry pony, she has been ridden by many kids but she only respects 2 people; her owner and her “part owner/rider”. Nor her or myself lack respect in each other it can just be confusing for her. She does sometimes lack respect to me which my trainer has noticed eg: always going to my trainer (her owner) or to the fence. Not trotting when I ask her or refusing to turn. Sometimes the trotting can be my fault I do understand that. I have seen a rise in respect from her as we have been working on ground work. We are also understanding each other more now. I understand some of my commands can be confusing at time. We have moved on from the whip which is extremely good (only used the whip lightly on her when she really wasn’t listening I’d never do it hard bra cause she would throw me off) Also you have to understand I am still new and sometimes consider myself as a complete beginner. There has been a lot of learning blocks like rain, muddy arena ( I ride in a grass arena) storms, wind, and my trainer being busy. I hope this makes sense basically I’m just saying we are still working out all the gears on each other. Thank you for your concern.

[@virginiamoss7045]

@@Hors3Editz Sounds like you are making progress. However, you are not grasping my point. You are assuming that the horse experiences human emotions; it's called anthropomorphizing the horse. The horse does not have human emotions. It has it's own horse agenda and simpler emotions, primarily fear. Words like naughty, bad, disrespectful, stubborn, vindictive, ill-mannered and even angry and uncooperative have no place with horses or any animal. They are just what they are and we have to know what that is in order to communicate with them in a way that gets them to respond to what we want. If what we want isn't what they want, then it's not going to happen unless we present an option that works for them. With horses (and other animals) we can use fear, food, positive reward or carefully crafted release from mild pressure, the latter making what we want the option that they willingly choose. It's about the attitude with which we approach the horse, not the methods we use that is my point. Keep on learning; you'll get there.

[@jeliarra]

You were doing so well until "personal space": My horse did much of what you said to me! Always "in my space", rubbing his head against me, placing his head on my shoulder or top of head, bumping into me, nibbling without teeth, licking me, but ya know old Pokie was at least 19 years old when I got him, his only previous owner before me an 18 year old girl who raised him from a colt, Pokie was a "little girls horse". My point is, one has to "know" their horse. Know the difference between "high horse challenge" and playfulness or even signs of affection (bonding). It is a wonderful thing when ones horse wants to be in their owners space respectfully! Ground work! Excellent Darlin! That's how to know, understand and bond with ones horse. 5:12 Tucker is a sweetie! He just wants to be close to you, bonding. My horse did this to me HOWEVER, I've had other horses do this same bring the head in just to add a bite! Or attempt to push or knock me over / down. Please Darlin wish you would stress "knowing ones horse" or the individual horses one is working with. Once one has a bond with their horse, personal space is no more of an issue than sharing space with their dog. Tucker is a GREAT horse! The pair of you have done well!

[@lunarequine7734]

My horse licks me and does groom me (and sometimes he nibbles a bit when he grooms me and I’m fine with it as long as he doesn’t bite too hard, it’s just how horses communicate) and he will also nudge me and rub out his itches on my leg. I’m okay with this as long as he’s not rough. His body language with the nudging is not aggressive or pushy. He’s just an affectionate guy and if anything it comes off more as a form of greeting. He’s also quite playful and will bite and nip out of wanting to play, but I’ve been working with him to make it clear that this is not okay behavior without being too harsh with how I address it. He also has an attitude with being ridden but he’s a bit stubborn and cheeky and being a lesson pony has given him a lot of vices so it’s a work in progress lol.

[@Cccdogcollars]

@@lunarequine7734 I've learned (from many others besides here) that the behaviors your horse is exhibiting probably does indicate a basic lack of respect, especially considering he's "cheeky and stubborn" when riding. All that's happening with you on the ground is reflected when you're on his back ;-)

[@skyrocketcoast219]

Love your channel: Always learn something new from your videos. I have been around horses since age 5, owned 3..one bomb proof mare for 28 years . Trained 6 horses. Taught children beginning to intermediate riding 28 years .Now have 1 little & very beautiful mustang mare for 7 years..She is 19. And i still take both riding & training lessons at age69! I appreciate your videos very much: consise & down to earth! And your Appy is adorable!

[@sunflwer2721]

I know a horse who puts his head up when u are putting a bridle head collar etc on but that’s from past abuse so it doesn’t always mean they are being disrespectful

[@eliara-thevoice8430]

I agree. It can be a reaction to past bad experiences (fear).

[@BagznBirdz]

Fear, pain, bad memories of something.

[@JuliaN-fi9zw]

It’s still disrespectful. It can come from many places, doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be addressed

[@BagznBirdz]

@@JuliaN-fi9zw your answer describes perfectly why we don't deserve horses. It's not disrespect from the horse's part, but it might actually be caused by human's disrespect for the horse.

[@JuliaN-fi9zw]

@@BagznBirdz You don’t have to correct bad behavior with a fear response. A horse lashing out and hitting you because they lack respect is a safety issue. It needs to be corrected no matter the horse. Obviously, there are different approaches and your extreme generalizations are not helpful Edit: And yes, I agree, horses are often misunderstood by humans. To correct a fear response you have to understand body language and the mind of a horse. Again though you are simply generalizing

[@Schmusan]

I just got your course and it is great!!! I can’t say thank you enough. I feel confident to start life with my new yearling❤️

[@sophiaequestrian7962]

I do lessons on a lesson horse, (he’s a thoroughbred) So I have noticed some of these behaviors, specially when it comes to put the bridle on. Thank you so much and I can’t wait to see more content! Love ya!

[@blauespony1013]

With lesson horses you will have a harder time to get them to respect you. They know the tricks of the trade and can't be impressed that easily. (And my horse always "dives" ont the bridle, she sees it as a chewing toy).

[@blauespony1013]

@Natasha Grant Lucky you, then.

[@Lilian040210]

As far as I've noticed, every horse will be disrespectful and test and challenge u if they're with a new person. They might be the sweetest and obedient with their usual handlers, but the second they give the reigns to someone new, the horse is like "WHO TF ARE U? I'M NOT LISTENING TO U" 😅

[@blauespony1013]

@@Lilian040210 I think they have "read" you the moment they touch the reins. When you are a horse person they will accept you faster. But they will test you sooner or later. And they will continue to do it every day (especially dominant horses - never buy dominant mares, they are lovely, but a pain when it comes to behaving themselves).

[@michelleturner6865]

Horses have no way of telling you what's going on besides behavior. The bit is most likely hurting the horse. Of course he doesn't want it. Could be a nasty but could be teeth issues. I personally hate bits and would never expect my horse to endurevthat

[@paulgriffingatorgrooves]

Thanks for the tips. I help a local horse farmer every few days by letting 5 horses into the barn and feeding them. They are unbridled so I am always very cautious, and try not to do anything to spook them. I usually bring apples to treat them, and I’ve slowly started to approach them individually and rub their shoulder and neck. I always talk lovingly to them, encouraging friendly behavior. One horse who appears to be the boss will periodically show some aggressive behaviors, such as pushing towards me to force me to back up, which I will put my hand up and say stop or back up. He will also move his body towards me while in the stall which I think is to intimidate? They are definitely evasive to avoid me touching them, and occasionally they will flick their tail my way which I assume to be slightly aggressive. I always try to be cautious yet firm to get their cooperation and assert that i am in charge. I have not had the opportunity to be around when the owner is present to learn commands or ways of discipline, but I’m gradually gaining their trust. I find your videos very helpful.

[@cardinalfox0734]

Hey, apples arent too healthy as they contain alot of sugar, carrots are alot better as a treat!

[@Cccdogcollars]

Just FYI, I've recently learned that hand-feeding treats to "make friends" with horses can actually teach them to be disrespectful because an alpha/leader horse would never allow another to take feed from them, and they don't feel "comfortable/secure" that they can trust you if they don't consider you a leader. I know it may seem counter-intuitive to "making friends" but it actually makes a lot of sense to me now ;-)

[@grahamrichardson9620]

I don't have a horse, but I love your videos! Keep them coming!

[@RosieandFriends1]

My horses are very respectful. I do let my mare rub on me a bit but she’s gentle about it. She’s a very affectionate cuddly horse.

[@user-xf5uc4zy2j]

Anyone would think that my mare is extremely disrespectful to me because she would rub her head against me, come straight up and nudge me for treats, or stand right next to me. What people don’t notice are her (front) legs. She never truly intrudes into my space because she stops right before my bubble - always - then she sticks her head out and asks. Compared to when I know she dislikes or don’t care for someone: she would go to them to be by their side so that her tummy is near their waist area and eat grass near them. People think she’s being friendly. I see her as being rude af 😂 because she would approach them without acknowledging them then full-on bodily go into their bubble albeit without touching them. She’s ignoring their presence and their space even though she’s not as physically close to them as to me before. She’s showing dominance by claiming the grass right by their feet; she never eats grass too close to me. It’s not as black/white as trainers say: if they’re in your space, they’re rude. It’s *how* they are in your space that shows you whether they are rude or not.

[@laylobrwn]

U literally smile the entire time u talk? So adorable!

[@6Sally5]

Very informative and interesting! My miniature horses do some of these behaviors, so I’m working on that. Tucker is so cool...it’s obvious he likes you a lot and has respect for you.

[@louisegogel7973]

Watch Steven Young’s videos. You will understand better what she is talking about.

[@scarlettwoods4333]

Thank you so much for posting this video! I have been working with my horses for a while and now i know that they have been disrespecting me for the longest!!!

[@coleenskinner2101]

I just found you! What great videos ... you have helped me so much. Going to go look at your course now. Thank you... keep them coming💜

[@xtasy6291]

Equine helper is a wonderful help Her advice is always original and much needed one Unlike,other equine vloggers who run for fame, she is the one actually doing the job Kudos to you girl 😊

[@FoldPT69]

Keep up the great content ❤️

[@RainbwoahAintRainbow]

I love your channel its so fun to watch! And keep the work up!

[@theundefeatedfangirlforlif2416]

My mare ignores me sometimes because she knows I still love her anyway. She does respect me but also knows that I respect her and won't ask her for more than she is able to do for a ride. Cool video and will be very helpful if I get another horse.

[@krystalphillips5614]

My grandpa's horse used to try to scrape me off by going under large branches. Little stink, we would be going down the trail taking it easy, never bucked or anything, but when she saw low branches she always made a point to go under them. I was only 6 or 7. As I got older I was able to show more dominance, in a respectable way, so that she understood that I wasn't a bug to be scraped off, but a friend and in charge of the situation.

[@u.v.s.5583]

:D That's a smart horsie!

[@Makado14]

My first horse was a mean little Shetland pony, and he did the same thing as your grand dad's horse. And more... But he taught me how to ride.

[@jordancolkitt1201]

My older gelding pretty much does every one of these😅 I love how your video actually offers solutions! Not just tell me what I already know lol the more descriptive the better😅

[@ecclairmayo4153]

Not site but maybe if its older it could be uncomfortable or hurt? I dont know much about horses but Ive noticed it with other animals

[@jobond3317]

Now as to personal space that depends on the type of horse you have. Some are very as I call them touchy-feely and this occurs in a herd. Watch and you will see different personal spaces horses allow some are very close and that horse will try to do that to you too for me it's repeating the horse and finding ways to allow individual behaviour where both myself and my horse are comfortable safe and happy

[@tagadaki]

Yes !!!! This !! I ride a Haflinger in a facility who really likes to be rubbed and scratched, so usually when we walk he doesnt put his head above me but under or against my arm, with his head really low, and I know he just wants contact, he s not pushing me, not disrespecting me, he just wants to be as close as possible. Im even able to put my entire arm around his neck to rub the other side while we walk (and he s a big boi). And I enjoy this contact too as I feel he s comfortable.

[@boganshazz821]

​@tagadaki me too, mine does it like hugging, and he'll lick me and nuzzle my hair. It usually ends cheek to cheek, arm around his neck, whispering sweet nothings.😂

[@katew3200]

Thank you so much! My horse does not like to walk on when I ask and ignore me for grass. I will be starting these memonds today, thanks!

[@jessicabotts1624]

I really enjoy your videos, I have learned so much more on your channel than many others because of the way you break things down and explain them. Thank you so much!

[@beatemueller7830]

It also depends on the horses personality and what you are looking for. This is great for beginner and lesson horses, but difficult to apply if you are looking for a competition horse. I train jumpers and have found that the disrespectful/bratty ones make fiercer/braver competitors.

[@bevc590]

Tucker is such a respectful horse in the videos, so the tips must work. He is really cute too.

[@BagznBirdz]

More like a robot...

[@averie7846]

Thank you for your solutions, will try this:)

[@lynnesaro7772]

Very good video, very informative. I have an abused rescue and that is challenging and so rewarding. I'm thankful for you and your channel. We've been together for almost 2 years. You help in so many ways.❤🌹.

[@tinkerbell1669]

I found your website today. I thought you were just a common youtuber. Your videos and website are very informative by the way.

[@7ajhubbell]

Thank you for sharing this.

[@Tootoo295]

My pony is a very stubborn, fat in the neck, lazy but well trained chestnut gelding. He never has bitten anyone because he knows that it’s not nice, but he loves to nudge me and push me away with his head. I’m working with him to try and make him nicer but it isn’t working yet. I ride him bareback and he is my first horse. I got him off a friend and when you get on his good side (rarely ever) he is the sweetest. When I’m leading him he stops moving when he dosent get grass. I had a friend over the other day and he loved her so much. Baw-baw followed my friend and did what she said, just not to me. Your tips are amazing and I’ll defiantly try them in him. I hope he gets better so I can ride him without him going off to another direction. Thank you so m uh and keep up the amazing work with your videos xx ❤❤❤

[@juliefallesen9835]

This horse trainer needs to be on Horse TV. She is excellent in her training techniques.

[@xlupex1378]

This helped me lots! I have a 15 yr old AQH well trained mare. I’ve started noticing when I go into the pasture she bites her half brother, pins her ears at me, and turns her back to me. Once it cools down, hopefully I can take her to my local arena that me and my dad go to.

[@jafoandthelittleranchbythe4951]

Thank you so much. Love this channel

[@poniesinthemist]

Great video. I noticed an improvement in the sound quality and you're not having to project your voice as much 😀👌

[@michelleford7392]

Great video!! Thank you!!

[@terri1935]

So enjoyed this!

[@caroledenis8153]

Love your easy clear teaching style...learned souch from you....💖🐎

[@TheDorie11]

I always love your videos! I finally learned how and when to lunge my horse. The ferrier was amazed that she was the same horse! Thank You!!!

[@EquineHelper]

This is awesome! I’ve found that lunging is one of the most useful tools!

[@nicholaskearney678]

Great commentary, enjoyable. Thanks.

[@avagrego3195]

Thank you for this info.

[@karinjansson8650]

Enjoyed it - thanks!

[@sirenserenades]

Disrespect and misbehavior in horses have been debunked. They do not understand those concepts - they’re man made. Horse behavior is the horse communicating his emotions or sensations based on stimuli. It’s never bad behavior, just behavior. There are numerous great sources and studies on this by now, I hope you’d make an updated video on this to avoid spreading misinformation!

[@user-xf5uc4zy2j]

There is respect in herd dynamic. I agree behaviour is “bad” only because humans don’t like x-behaviour. What I disagree with most of the industry is how to get a horse to respect you. I think you might have been referring to this same point: the majority of “how” is man-made and don’t make sense to horses.

[@michelleturner6865]

My Appaloosa mare has never ever pinned her ears. At anyone. But I laughed with some of this other stuff. I guess you would call her disrespectful. I call it intelligent and telling me what she's feeling. There is no malice in any of her behaviour.

[@debstokes7439]

I don’t have a horse anymore but I enjoy watching you and remembering. I could have used a lot of your information. 😊

[@kristylarson7832]

Great information. Thank you

[@edutoledo694]

Nice work

[@ravenmaniac428]

Great lessons, and Beautiful horse!

[@elana8846]

My gelding always takes a long time for ground work such as picking up feet not trampling me and not getting over but with the picking up feet issues I think it is from flys we rain out of fly spray so there’s a lot of fly’s

[@brentonkelly3780]

Great tips. Thanks! 🙏👍😀

[@jgrayblesser]

Amazing when the "respect" thing. As a 20+ year animal behaviorist respect only ever matters or has meaning for people. It's communication or trust. Sometimes horses just don't like you.

[@louisegogel7973]

❤️

[@jlf1309]

Great video! 😊

[@crking685]

Hi Carmela, great subject for a video! Thank you for all the great perspectives on horse behavior, very helpful. I would like to point out that a very common misconception is that horses are herd animals; they are in fact "band" animals. In the wild, they form familial/heirarchical bands. Humans put them into herds. This may help folks understand how horses relate to other horses and therefore us. Thanks for reading!

[@300tdavis]

unless it is an unhealthy herd with behavioral issues which most horses have since most horses have some sort of PTSD caused by humans.

[@TheBootsKid]

Tucker is so adorable and awesome 👏🏻 great vid btw!

[@ZoeySheene]

Thank you i hope this helps me and my horse❤

[@nancyzabel-hofstaetter1867]

Thank you. ❤

[@user-xo7mt8lz7n]

Great video! Thanks

[@user-nh2hd5gw6g]

Great videos!

[@Zvangimo]

01:55 look at the reaction horse gave to "disresoectful" 😂 he was like bro what?

[@josephertz5786]

Great information thank you

[@suecastillo4056]

OMG! Tucker is SO adorable!!! He looks like a very loving friend!♥️‼️

[@GamblingGal]

Nice little Appy. My 1/4, 15 y.o. gelding is just as mellow as can be! Never, EVER tried to hurt me or anyone else! Very sweet, kinda pushy, I always thought is because he's just a happy guy. I ask him to stop or "Settle down now goofy", he will and does. Been lucky to have two "horse of a lifetime", this horse is one of them. Rare indeed!!!! I'm lucky and I know it. THANKS FOR THE INFORMATION, very helpful.

[@traceylamping8979]

Love your videos, love your horse. Thanks!

[@lisastreasures]

Great vid. Checking out your online classes now.

[@Mainecoon_Izzy]

Great pointers here👍 I have a Haflinger mare and she’s like Tucker, not a mean bone in her body. She’s so different from my other mares from the past😇. However, she loves to eat and always trying to graze while I lead her. We’re working on it. Once she is all tacked-up with her snaffle she behaves. Just found your videos, love them so far💜

[@jamihill339]

Thanks

[@carybearashe]

I love this THANK YOU

[@mrperez7036]

Oh Tucker is so cute and calm! NIce video!

[@knight.99]

All these information will help in the future

[@debstokes7439]

Thank you!

[@littleglacia]

My barn buddy absolutely ignored the student on his back when he saw me coming. He thought the treat lady was way more interesting than working!

[@carlyoleary1837]

I really hate the term "disrespectful" when dealing with horses. Horses do not think that way with humans, they are trying to communicate but us verbal humans are too stupid to understand body language and subtle changes in energy. Too many people punish a horse for a behaviour when they should watch the horse and figure out what the horse is trying to communicate to them. Most of their behaviours are caused by human handlers, we are the ones with the issues. Watch and listen to your horses, don't just react and retaliate like so many handlers do. Your explanations of why a horse may be doing certain behaviours are really good though and you advocate trying to discover the reason behind certain behaviours. I just find that when people start talking about respect, it means something different in the human world and a lot of people have an "I'll show you whose boss" attitude. I prefer to think of the horses as having trust and confidence in their human handler, rather than respect. A horse not trusting paints a far different picture than a horse not respecting.

[@louisegogel7973]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼💛. You said it so much better than I have been trying to say it! Thank you!!

[@sveandful]

Demanding respect is not disrespectful. Most of these situations you describe are either harmless natural behavior or simply a horse trying to escape discomfort, which can be helped either by teaching the horse that there is nothing to worry about, or by listening and respecting when your horse tells you that something is uncomfortable. It is great to teach your horse through groundwork or pressure/release, but if the horse doesn't get it straight away it is not disrespect. Imagine calling a puppy disrespectful for not sitting when you tell it too, if you have never taught it what sit means...

[@louisegogel7973]

Thank you, well said. The word “Disrespect” sets off such a negative and unproductive perspective and train of thought. If you are instead trying to understand your own thoughts, body language, the body language of the horse, and what is natural for a horse, then you are on the right track. Yes, pressure release communication is basic to the horse. Se humans operate in such a different way that we have to really learn what we are doing that causes pressure and comfort for a horse. We are “predators” in our physique and the horse responds to us that way unless we school our own behavior and thoughts. If anyone wants to see really respectful handling and resolution of horses and their owners issues, watch Steve Young and Klaus Hempfling! Also Buck Branneman and Monty Roberts the forerunners of Klaus and Steve.

[@julig5067]

Patience and persistance.Consistent Repitition is the key.

[@TheBulle]

Awesome video. However, sometimes horses have medical issues…My horse is very touchy feely but not disrespectful. He does it and I allow him because he suffered from a stroke and became partially blind. He feels comfort by touching me and his mare friend. :)

[@stapellworkingdog]

I have a draft horse that I always had problems bonding with because I always felt she was a bully, disrespectful and obstinate. Everyone always loves her but she does most of what you’re talking about. Without having watched this, I already was starting to work on her head constantly avoiding the halter, her swinging her haunches toward me, pushing me around when I’m cleaning her stall, stepping on me when feeding, grabbing at hay when I’m putting it in the stall, diving for grass…this has helped me feel justified in my focus on creating a more respectful environment when we’re together, it has improved our relationship and I teach it to my my students who work with her so they understand deference.

[@imsunnybaby]

beautiful horse. the piebald or paint is so lovely

[@u-got-High]

Did you see the horse yawn when she started talking about r-e-s-p-e-c-t?😂😭

[@mdaziz-ep3wz]

Really good information

[@taralorraine9814]

Great vid

[@jala6780]

Thank you 😊 🏁✨🏁✨🏁🫶🏼‼️

[@ivyshanafelt9054]

In my personal experience with my horses, they often don't give me personal space, but if I ask for it they'll all back off. They just happen to know I love and allow cuddles. And my old boy never gets corrected, mostly because he's very respectful, but also because he's blind and I can't find fault when he's doing his best to behave.

[@macdaddync]

I have a question about your courses. If I sign up is there an expiration date or can I access the information until I totally get it?

[@slant6guy]

Looks like The Creator ran out of _Equine Brown #4_ when He colored "Tucker" there. Awesome video! Learned a lot as my wife recently purchased a Friesian cross horse and I know nothing about these creatures.

[@ExiledinElysium]

I love this video. Such a boss. "Does your horse act like he doesn't respect you? Psh, skill issue."

[@mem3769]

I took care of a gelding on the race track. The guy taking care of him for me my first few days had a lip twitch on him. I thought that was agressive. I took over and took it off, but shortened the tie chain. I found out that his previous groom got bit on his chest every day. I'm a girl. That wasnt going to work for me. We fought everyday for a minimum of 21 days. But everyday i put a something yummy in his feed bowl before feed time. He soon learned to respect me and we fell in love. It was safer for everyone else too as in addition to his former groom, he bit someone different every day. I, (and a few others who were not afraid or didnt want to be out done by a girl), was able to go into his stall, groom him, tack him up and do up his legs with no halter. Once he learned to respect me, he also learned he could trust again too. I miss him.

[@karolinabaker7637]

I tried to take horseback riding lessons on a family horse. He had a reputation of being calm and good for students. He got spooked a few times and I became nervous anytime I sat on him. I never led him, he was handled by my teacher. But I’ve pretty much given up because I couldn’t seem to manage my anxiety. Did I do the right thing?

[@jthepickle7]

I'll be watching more of these, if I ever get a horse.

[@starzanhorse4758]

You said it! Gelding! Great video 👍

[@margaretporkolab7166]

Hi I love your channel. I would like to learn more and to join in your programs but I live in 🇨🇦