Every time you’re in that horse’s presence, you are in control of what happens. The horse is not. Sounds simple, but horses are perfectly capable of rather sophisticated discernment. If they learn that you are aversive, either yourself or by proxy, it will change their behavior. You might not even really notice it, or, the horse might actually appear to be better (quieter, lighter, better work ethic, etc.). But they’re not. They’ve shut down, to some extent. Present the horse with all the reasons to feel good about you and their environment, from their perspective, which is the only one that matters (disclaimer: in some situations it’s obviously not possible). There are so, so many little things you can do if you just take a little time to learn their preferences and what they need. Your needs are already being met just by being in the barn. Get creative with incorporating the horse’s needs and preferences into your training. The return on your investment will compound with each small effort you make. Don’t do it, and maybe nothing happens to you, but everything still happens to the horse. Not for the horse. To go through life at someone else’s whim is to be denied the basic right of bodily sovereignty. Injustice, no matter what kind of being you are. Be judicious with the power you have. You gain a more engaged, enthusiastic horse. What have you got to lose? Ego, pride? Conceit? Perfect.
