Is your horse safe?

In learning, horses always ask the same fundamental question:
Am I safe?
Am I safe to ride along?
Am I safe to go into that float?
Am I safe in this new environment?

If you cannot answer that question with a clear and confident YES, your horse will be concerned and spooky about everything!
If you are anxious about your horse loading into a float, about your ride on the beach, about your next ride in general, etc, what do you think is the answer for your horse to his questions?

Why should your horse do something when his herd mate ( you) is in alert ( anxious, unsure) state?
That is a NO GO for your horse. As a herd animal they rely on the herd. If the herd is in alert there is a potential threat. So your horses nervous system gets into a state to either flee, fight or freeze ( shutdown) response.
Learning is not happening, your horse is not even listening to you anymore. Every cell is in alert state & in survival mode.

There is a reason why horses did not extinct over the last millions of yeas. Their survival instinct and highly developed senses!
And we all know the scenario:
Horse does not load into the float, we are getting hectic, frustrated and unfair and the whole situation gets out of control and sometimes even dangerous!
So, it all comes back to us.
Establishing a trustful, reliable connection by working on our own state, to be the fair leader your horse needs, to feel SAFE!

Who got a lightbulb moment out of this information?

I am dedicating my time learning, studying and sharing what I know with all of you to improve the welfare of horses!
​
Stay tuned for more!
Britta from BB Horse Care- not just a bodyworker but also a horse listener!