Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Maybe its not one or the other.  Maybe horses will follow leaders under normal circumstances and not "do as they please" but under extreme situations where they are in pain or discomfort that is when the survival mechanism takes over and then they "do as they please" to protect themselves? 

Obviously all horses are so individual though.  My mare would probably do anything I ask even if in pain and it is so much responsibility on me it is frightening but my gelding I KNOW does as he pleases (within reason) so I am confident if he is in pain, he is kind of a baby in that respect, he will let me know loud and clear and "put up a fight"

Either way it IS my responsibility to know my horse and do for them to the best of my ability.

 

jmo

 

--

Kathy

 

-------------- Original message --------------
From: "Dodie Sable" <dodie@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

I am still somewhat surprised (although I suppose I shouldn't be) by the number of people who are sufficiently conceited about their own power that they think horses have no say in what they do. Your horse is bigger, stronger, and faster than you are...he does exactly and only what he damned well pleases.

response:

 

 I've learned about horses in those years is that horses [in general] are quick to allow the smarter stronger horse in the herd take control and lead for survival purposes.