Misbehaving horses: Is this a training problem or a behaviour problem?

Sometimes horses behave in ways that frustrate or confuse their owners, or even interfere with safety or performance. The first question to consider is: “Is this a training problem or a behaviour problem?”

Training problems in horses

In general, training problems reflect a lack of skill development. For example, a horse has not yet learned how to perform a wanted behaviour, or they have not been taught how to perform a behaviour for extended periods of time, for longer distances, or in varying contexts.

Horse training is both an art, and a science. While nothing can improve a person's skills better than putting in hands-on time training horses, understanding how horses learn can make us even better trainers. Utilizing techniques such as reinforcement and shaping can help teach new behaviours cleanly and quickly. Once taught, the behaviour can be put on cue, meaning that when a unique signal occurs, the horse performs a specific behaviour that has been associated with that signal. For example,  when the rider's outside leg moves back and touches the horse, the horse picks up the canter.

Training problems can occur when cues are unclear, if reinforcement is inconsistent, or the horse hasn’t been trained to perform behaviours with fluency and in different contexts. Additionally, if a person training a horse doesn't understand how horses learn, it can create problems for the horse.

Horse behaviour problems

When horses have behaviour problems, it usually means they are behaving in ways that are unwanted or dangerous. When horses behave like this it is often because they are feeling strong emotions, such as fear, anxiety, or anger. These emotions trigger behaviours designed to protect the horse, such as freezing, fleeing, fidgeting, or, less commonly, 'fighting' (aggression).

Underlying painful medical or physical conditions can cause or contribute to behaviour problems in horses. This is because pain is processed in a part of the brain that triggers emotional responses which influence behaviour. For instance, a horse experiencing pain may react with avoidance, irritability, or fear in ways that appear as “bad behaviour” but are actually protective responses; the horse is simply trying to lessen the pain they feel.

Recognizing the difference between training and behaviour problems is crucial, as each requires a different approach. Using common training techniques, such as 'pressure and release' or punishment, can cause or worsen fear, create new problems, or even turn a simple training problem into a behaviour problem.

How to Address Each

When deciding which professional is best suited to help with training problems or behaviour problems in horses, it can be helpful to consider a human analogy: if a child struggles in gymnastics, it could be due to a skill deficit (a training problem), an underlying, painful medical condition, or anxiety. Each issue deserves support from a different expert: a coach, a doctor, or psychologist. The training each specific professional receives is tailored to the needs of the person with whom they work.

Similarly, depending on the root cause, horses may need support from a trainer, veterinarian, or qualified behaviour professional. Professionals with a formal education in assessing and addressing behaviour problems in horses can identify the underlying cause and apply effective, proven methods to resolve the issue. In some cases, a team approach combining each professional's skills is the safest and most effective path forward.

When you're facing a challenge with your horse’s behaviour, consulting with a horse behaviour specialist can help you get to the root cause of why this is happening, as well as provide you both with effective, low-stress solutions to address the problem.

Image by Cristian Marcantognini from Pixabay