my horse is agressive...is it?

I want to start this episode with a question:
Is there really something like "bad behaviour"  or even aggression in horses? Is that natural for horses to be aggressive sometimes? 
How would YOU describe bad behaviour in your horse or horses in general?
Is it something like pushing into you when leading it from the paddock? Is it pulling against the reigns? Biting while you saddle it? Running over you when you open the gate to the paddock? 
​Kicking against the whip when riding? Biting when you want to feed it grains or supplements?
What is " just" bad behaviour and what is aggression? Where are the boundaries for YOU?

Let me know YOUR thoughts about bad behaviour in the comments below.
If we look at the history of horses, wild and domesticated horses, there is a lot within their behaviour that we either misunderstand (because we see it from a human perspective)
or we just don't not know about it.

If you are more interested about horse behaviour, have look here:
https://courses.understandhorses.com/courses/understand-horse-behaviour

I want to start with  a behaviour that can be scaring if you have to deal with it: Aggression
Aggressive behaviour is not nature for horses. Studies show, we barely see aggression in a wild herd. 
So, why do horses develop aggression?
Horses can develop aggression for several reasons:

• they are in pain ( think about how you are when you have pain...well I can say I am not the friendliest and empathic person then....),
• or they might have a certain medical (neurological) condition,
• or because they are frightened of another horse or person  

We know, they are prey animals, so their natural response to a threat is either fight, flight or freeze.
We sometimes also see food aggression as well in horses that have been starved for a long time, or their food has been restricted at some stage.
Those of you who gave a neglected horse a new loving home might have experienced that?????
So, how do we address aggression in horses?
First we need to do research about the WHY.
That means e.g. let your horse being checked out by a vet as there might be a physical issue (pain), a lack of minerals or nutrition, stomach ulcers...etc. 
Try to get a more clear picture in what situations or environments your horse shows this behaviour.
Find the source if you can. If you have the source you can work on the solution. Get help from professionals to support you on this journey. Behaviour change takes time and needs be done step by step. If the aggression can be modified into a positive behaviour depends on the case, the cause and the history, as every horse is different.

Have you experience with a horses "aggressive" behaviour? How did you address it? Do you want to share your ideas and experiences here?
Please leave your comment here if you like. If you do comment please be polite and respectful if people have other opinions or have been taught different approaches than you have. Thank you!
At the end of the day we all do our best because we LOVE horses!
My inspirations at the moment come from:
www.understandhorses.com/
​www.warwickschiller.com/
Oh and please, if you have questions or wishes for the next blog please let me know!!!!!
​I am happy to write about what YOU are interested in, this blog is for YOU and your horse!