What Most Annoys Your Horse... About You?

[@channongard4396]

Yes! They like you to be present in the moment with them. Once I slowed down, my horse now meets me at the gate. I hold his halter and let him nudge it first...this is him giving me permission to proceed...it made a huge difference!

[@sdbakerahs]

The minute you asked the question I knew right away it was the petting. The constant need “I” have to touch them. This will be something I will work on from today forward...

[@danw6014]

One thing I put more time into is picking their feet. I used to just let go of my horse's foot but I have found a lot of value in setting her foot down on the tip of her toe. I don't take my hand off of her foot until she is just resting and relaxed. I don't let go if she is pulling her foot away. It has been a good indicator of how she feels, and what she may need from me to prepare for our ride. Since this mare is very tight with saddling and very fearful this is time well spent. Our bond has become stronger over the past few months and something that has annoyed her lately is handing her off to someone else to lead. I can never violate her growing trust for if I do she may never forgive me. A very delicate place to be for which I am grateful.

[@t9t9t9t9t9]

Sounds like a horse that thinks they're in charge of a few too many things. I would personally say forget worrying about breaking her "trust" and earn more respect as her leader, just my opinion though

[@jennifercockrill6356]

We instituted a "no handoff" policy in our barn for exactly the reason you described. It's made a big difference to the horses that live here. The only time we allow someone to take over walking with a horse from the person who haltered the horse, is if you put the rope over the horse's wither and the horse walks over to the other person of the horse's own accord. I love to know that someone else is doing this same thing and for the same reason - trust.

[@danw6014]

@@jennifercockrill6356 I will let others lead my horses but under my supervision. What broaders do with their horses is up to them. No one is allowed to touch horses here without the permission of the owner.

[@danw6014]

@@t9t9t9t9t9 response with respect is exactly I work on however I don't get my horses in trouble. I expose them to things but try to stay just this side of trouble. When people get their horses into trouble the horse starts to question the rider's judgment. This horse has lived her whole life having people get her into trouble so trust a big deal. Once it's established with any horse, it needs to be protected and treasured.

[@t9t9t9t9t9]

@@danw6014 What do you mean by when people get their horses into trouble? We have to let these horses take some responsibility for their own actions too. If a horse is throwing a fit when you hand a rope off then that's something the horse needs work on, not something to be avoided because its making the horse "trust" you less to do so. That horse just wants to be in charge of who is taking her where, and when. I would say when you hand her off and she starts fussing, put her to work for 3-4 minutes. Wont take long for her to realize its a lot easier to not fuss and in turn, not be put work.

[@anonymousjet]

My mere presence annoys my grumpy mare 😂

[@lavendergal2508]

This is so important and I liked this video. Listening to our horse is something that we all can do much more of. Myself, I tend to rush a lot and hug and kiss my gelding way more than he wants also. This video reminded me of how critical this relationship and our awareness of the effects of our actions can be. 😍

[@awickstra3651]

Oh my goodness. I work at a barn and TOTALLY get what u mean about the horse being annoyed and I think you’re right, I’m too busy, too rushed. Thank you again so much for the advice. I will start to noticed my “speed” and mindset and feelings before and during my time spent with the horses.

[@alicecohen4726]

Interesting video. Dont we all love being with another in an relaxed focused connected way without rush or frazzled minds and distracted with devices. Being still for a moment creates a break or pause between activities or people. Add breathing and observing the person or horse, surrounding environment etc you are then ready to begin to connect with another. Excellent in every way! In teaching the initial contact will often set the mood for your time together. Haste makes waste. Its a bit like driving like a crazy person just to beat a red light. One ends up waiting at the next set of lights while a more relaxed driver sidles up and smiles at you while you both waite at the same red light before going green. We don't save time rushing, we waste it!! Cheers

[@kathykaura7219]

You're genius for doing a self-check like that. I think it would also work wonders for human interaction. Bravo.

[@violetmariee95]

Amazing! I have just realized and done the same with my horses, slowing down and just being present and i have noticed a huge change in the horses! much more relaxed

[@NataliaKedzierska]

That's a very good point. Thank you for sharing it

[@lauhadee]

you are so dead on! I have two mares. One you can love on the other not so much! I have to remember that my Standie doesn't like "that loving feeling". she responds to me much better when I lay off all the "hugs and kisses" :)

[@murnmartin]

My horse does hate it when I'm on the phone . He will become naughty and then I realize I'm not giving him my complete attention. Great post. It is a good reminder.

[@sarahmason4698]

Absolutely. If I reflect on times when my pony is tense and restless when I am mounting, these are always times when I'm tense and rushing, instead of relaxed and just taking my time...

[@Liv_plays9165]

So glade I watched this!!! It took me a minute to see what my horse may not like that I do, but I figured it out finally. I think I move to quick with him. My horse is kinda new to me he was my grandfather’s horse but now that he is mine I am trying to work with him on the weekends to get him used to having a halter on, my grandfather has not do much with him for a very long time. I’m sure that I’m trying to go to quick with everything making him get uncomfortable, but after this I’m gonna try to go slower with him. THANKS SO MUCH! My horse means so much to me and making him comfortable with me means allot too!!

[@spanky1026]

I noticed different behaviors that you mentioned in my horse, I just don't know why. What I did or was it something else before I arrived and possibly an issue with a neighboring horse and not necessarily me. I've also noticed my horse many times excited to see me..like a dog..not wagging his tail... lol, but wanting my attention. I don't know what I did right . was he anticipating a treat? Good question.."What annoys my horse?"wish I knew what I was doing right and wrong. I'm a new horse owner and I can't read the books fast enough..But I do love it. Thanks for all the great stories and tips already posted. I enjoyed reading them

[@GuardianAngelEquine]

I already slow down but its definitely something people over look a lot especially kids!!

[@clariceventer9643]

I learn forward when I ride and I think that annoys my pony because she then tends to trip more! I have to remember to sit up straight as that way I can help her move better ☺.

[@karinaschmidt4221]

you are such an amazing horse whisperer!!

[@horseparadise2003]

Today , my pony didnt come to me he ate the Apple then ran away.He's a Welsh pony (section b) so there meant for being cheeky . I was wearing my riding outfit so I took my riding hat and bodyprotector off then he came trotting other when I called him .😍😍😍(He normally canters ) I've had him for 6 months he always kisses me yawns when I'm grooming him , cuddles me, when I've had a rough day makes me feal better , neighs for me and follows me every were so I was quite surprised . He's my dream pony and I love him to bits.❤❤❤🐴🐴🐴😍😍😍

[@nicolecourt7829]

When you said Slow down 👍🏻❤️

[@conniepaschall8313]

Why is it always cold where you are? I can’t think of any video in which you are not bundled up!

[@lucasa1849]

''They know when you know, and they know when you don't.'' To me this means they know if you are present. If you are aware of little signs you they show you, they trust you. If you're rushing, distracted, thinking about the past or the future, they're like: ''You're not paying attention so that means I need to and can't trust you to be aware enough to keep me safe.'' Micromanaging is a big one too though. Not letting horses make mistakes, always telling em exactly when to do and when to do it, not letting them figure things out on their own, etc.

[@evitarew6245]

She is most annoyed when I’m not giving her a cookie ! Haha

[@birdbrain3594]

Same thing happens with my cockatoo and I. Animals are intuitive, I always make sure to seem content and careless when I am trying to get my pets to behave. :)

[@Lunar_Crescentfall]

There is something I need to stop doing I just think it's all about me trying to focus on balancing while riding the horse, I grip the riens too tight and I know about easing my hands now, it's just a habit I need to get out of. Because the horse will shake his head and pull it's mouth away, which I understand he doesn't like me gripping on too tight. But I pick up on horses behaviour and how they act in situations rather quickly, so it's just something for me to improve on. I've just started riding a couple of months ago, so I'm not perfect yet. Also I think me singing and babying the ponies and horses I look after get them annoyed, haha.

[@silverkitty2503]

Best video i have seen in ages.

[@helruna7580]

My horse would say " Dont stop petting my belly"... he does everything for rubbing his belly very rough. He is a lovely clown, really...Yesterday I lounged him, but I knew he did not want to, so he "forgot all he learned before" to show me its not worth it to force him. Today we made free groundwork and we both had much fun together. I try to understand him, he tries to understand me, we are partner.

[@AK-jt7kh]

I have anti-annoying advice instead gifted to me by my wise mother. Sing to them. It puts you in the moment, relaxes you, and makes you pay attention to them. But talking softly works well too. Mom’s philosophy is to always be talking to animals, and she’s not wrong. It doesn’t matter that they can’t understand you. It’s the consideration, attention, and engagement that makes the difference - and it also makes it easier for the animal to discern your mood when you’re not immediately in their line of sight. So for horses, when I am riding on their back, it helps to talk or sing because they can actually hear my mood and it’s comforting I think. Plus they really do listen. I can tell by the way they move their ears.

[@ellaakers6683]

I love that horse

[@jacksg1809]

Good advice...yeah me probably doing things too quickly lol 😏 but time is the essence at times coz of work constraints .

[@veronicaevans9438]

Great video thanks xx

[@RusioUC]

Hi Callie. My mare doesn´t like me to touch her ears. I think it´s because she tends to stress out and stiffen her head and neck. I´m working on it.I do masagge in this area.

[@jcarroccio7844]

the way i ask him for trot!

[@gunrunner8674]

way to much info. ! if it takes 5 min. to simply say they do not like to be petted the real answer gets lost in the long conversation ! thanks for your time and effort to help people . hope you have a great day ! :)

[@lucasa1849]

A big one is still being present of what they're doing, but not attaching a story to it. ''Oh he's looking there, what if there's something that spooks him, if he spooks he might run over me, and , and...''

[@thetitan6595]

I noticed my horse hates being touched on the face and it’s just a reflection of myself because I’m the same way.

[@ingridblohm-hyde805]

Great Point! I hug and kiss too much. My Gelding does not mind too much my mare is not so fond of kisses on her nose on her cheek it is ok.

[@christinesherwood1577]

My horse swishes her tail when I pet her.

[@zebradun7407]

Fly spray season.

[@susiehopkins4822]

When i approach my horse she back away.