Got this in from Sarah on how to bond with a horse, which I thought was worth sharing:
“Hello,
I have recently been working with a very troubled stallion who has been badly mistreated. Here is the story about Tornado.
Tornado is a black Andalucian stallion. He came to the stables about 6 months ago and was in an absolutely terrible state!
He was nervous of everybody. You couldn’t even go near him without being kicked or bitten. Tornado was put into a stable with other horses around him in other stalls.
We thought putting him with horses he would be better because he has authority. It wasn’t what we thought at all. All he would do all day was try and undo his stall, kick the door, squeal and bite the door.
How to bond with a horse that does that?
So we decided that the stall wasn’t a good idea. With a lot of coaxing and injuries we managed to get him in the field.
He was in the field for about 1 week and every day and night he would gallop the whole length of the field. he would only stop to drink, go to the toilet and eat hay.
After a week of galloping, we thought he might calm down, but tornado still wasn’t happy. So eventually every one at the yard decided that we had to find a way of calming down.
What came next was an unexpected result and really made me think about how to bond with a horse… Every one went in one at a time to try and get Tornado to respond. I was the last person.
How to bond with a horse
I stuffed the halter under the jacket I was wearing. I had a packet of polos in my pocket as a treat. I then got on my hands and knees and I started crawling away from him. Tornado was so overwhelmed by curiosity that he completely forget his fears about me and walked right up to me. So I stood up slowly, talking softly to him and give him a polo. He was a bit nervous of the headcollar at first, but he soon realized he wasn’t going to be hurt.”
Tornado now only answers to me and no one else.
Just thought I’d mention that one.
Sarah”
A big thanks for Sarah getting in touch and sharing her take on how to how to bond with a horse.
Don’t forget there are hundreds of posts, and thousands of comments on the blog, it’s all free and it’s all to help you and your four legged friend.
So if you’ve got a tip on how to bond with a horse, or whatever, please just email me and I’ll be happy to share it – al@horsecaretipsandtricks.com
And now onto Bertie.
“Bonding with a horse is one of the best parts of horse ownership! Building that connection goes beyond just riding—it’s about creating trust and understanding. Horses are naturally social and curious animals, and they respond really well when you take the time to get to know them on their terms. So, let’s dive into some fun ways to build that bond!”
“First off, spend some quality time together without any agenda. Instead of diving right into a workout or a training session, just hang out with your horse in the pasture or their stall. Let them come to you, sniff you, or just chill by your side. This “quiet time” helps them see you as a friendly presence rather than just someone who’s there to ask things of them.”
“Grooming is another big bonding activity. Horses groom each other in the wild as a social thing, so when you brush them, they get that same feeling of connection. Focus on those spots they love, like their neck, withers, or even a gentle scratch around the ears. It’s relaxing for them and builds positive associations with being around you. “
“Groundwork exercises are also a fun way to build respect and trust. Try leading them around, asking for a few simple movements like backing up or moving sideways. These exercises help them learn to listen to you and can boost their confidence in your leadership. “
“And don’t forget treats! A small, healthy snack after a good session is a nice way to reinforce your connection. Horses remember kindness, and a little reward goes a long way. “
“In the end, bonding with a horse is about consistency and positive experiences. The more you enjoy just being with them, the more they’ll trust you. Over time, you’ll develop a connection that makes every ride and interaction feel natural and rewarding. Bertie”
Next up
So many people are quick to judge horses who are so anxious they limit contact with people and other horses. They don’t think outside the box and do what they have always done. It takes people like you who truly knows horse behaviour and uses an open mind to prove to those horsey people who don’t have the patience or belief that with faith and determination horses like Tornado can become socialized.
Wow, I think that was a wise move by Sarah. I hope that Tornado is doing okay now!
Well done sarah. I hope Tornado is happier now, it certainly sounds has though he is starting to trust you, good luck with him, hope it all works out well.
Some people have a real problem with ‘walking backwards’ or retreating from horses, claiming that it damages ones authority and/or implies submission. However as Sarah has shown this is not the case. By contrast, crawling away from him as she did was a way of releasing pressure and giving him time to think for himself without the threat of confrontation or repremand. He is clearly on his way to being a super horse thanks to this kind and clever lady!!!
what a great storey i like the approach to the situation, it wasnt abrupt but calm, simple and plain smart! good job. i think this method will be very effective on most horses! 😛
Well done Sarah!!! Sounds like Tornado is a good name for him!
Wow! What a touching story.
very smart idea and tornado sounds like a very pretty horse
Great story – thanks for sharing!
Hello,
I am the Sarah in the the story. Tornado is a changed horse now. He responds to most people now and is the best eventing horse that my stables has ever seen. As a reward my riding instructor gave him to me and boarding and hay is free. I really didn’t think I could do it. I’m only 13 and I’ve recently started working at my stables.
fantastic!
Kudos, Sarah. May God bless and keep you and Tornado in his loving hands. Brilliant!
You have a gift. Take it into the world and be an avenue of healing for animals and people. We need more people like you. Love on!!!
Sarah, your age makes this a much more heartwarming story. Thanks for sharing with us. That was so nice of your riding instructor to give this horse to you, and board and hay free to boot? Unheard of for the most part in today’s world! That makes it much better. Your age is what touched me mostly here though. What’s that they say,… “out of the mouths of babes”? Certainly fits here I think! Thank you for being so caring and kind with the Tornado!
Wow! Sarah, that was so smart. I could probably learn a lot from you.
I can’t believe your only 13 you’re going to really go places.
Keep up the good work, wish you were closer we do a lot of
Horse rescue and some of the horses need someone like you.
Great job Sarah! What a wonderful story, and a wonderful result! Keep thinking outside the box!
Wonderful story! Keep up the good work! I know what its like to work with a horse like that. My new horse Mistie, befor I got her she was very badly abused & has the scars that show it. She is still scared to death of people but is slowly starting to trust me.
Hey. I work at a barn with several rescue horses. What happened with Tornado was- COMPLETELY unsafe. You CRAWLED, on the GROUND away from a dangerous stallion? you were very lucky. you turn and crawl away from even tamed studs, you’re asking to get smushed. But to do that to a rescue horse that hates people? you’re lucky that you’re not a vegetable, your life depending on a machine.
I’ll bet you anything that horse has no respect for her. She submitted completely to him- got on the ground in a vulnerable position, shrunk away from him. No wonder he was okay with that! Dr. Jane Perry, I can safely tell you you’re wrong. Horses don’t ask for space to think things through. They’re not people. They are animals. They don’t “need space”. When horses are friendly, kind, happy, they are close together, grooming each other, playing, etc. When they’re pissed, and fighting, they’re still in very close quarters while fighting, and in a horse confrontation, you will see horses standing square, looking each other in the eyes. Look at 2 horses fighting. Heres an example.
horse 1 perceives horse 2 as a threat.
Horse 1 confronts horse 2.
Horse 2 challenges the authority of horse 1 with a kick or nip.
before you know it they’re in each others space, kicking, whinnying, screaming, biting, and all else.
Horse 2 turns, and starts walking the other way.
Horse 1 sees his opportunity and goes at horse 2.
change it to the situation.
Tornado perceives human as a threat.
Tornado confronts girl.
Girl turns, lowers herself and retreats in submission.
Tornado has a choice- accept her submission or attack.
He chooses to accept her as submissive.
Girl goes up to him without confrontation, slips on a halter, feeds him for being dominant.
World claims she’s done something wonderful.
I’ve seen rescue horses be turned around, and pointed in the right direction. That doesn’t include submitting to the horse. This is not natural horsemanship, that horse was not “unreachable”
I just wanted to point a few things out…1: You referred to the stallion as a machine?!?!NO. He is an animal, and with the right knowledge can give a positive response….Some people just don’t give animals enough intellectual credit, and remember humans are “animals” too. Not divine creatures. 2: It would have been dangerous if the stallion had confronted her before she got to crawling on the ground. But she did this before he confronted her so he was curious about what she was doing. 3: In your argument it sounds like you are talking more about how a dog would feel about the situation than a prey animal…..
And to Sara: That is an amazing story! I find that with one of my horses the more I pretend that I am not interested in what he is doing, the more curious he seems to be of me. So it makes sense to me that this would work. Congradulations!
You are a lucky girl. Being an unruly “stallion”, you are fortunate that he didn’t pound you into dust. I wouldn’t recommend this to anybody.
CS,
Megan did not refer to the stallion as a machine. Read her statement more carefully: “You’re lucky you’re not a vegetable, your life depending upon a machine”. Clearly, she is referring to being injured to the extent that she is on life support, ie a ventilator. I am reserving judgment regarding Sarah’s technique but it does seem that ever since Sarah admitted to being only 13 years old, the criticism has became severe. If we have opposing views, can’t we be nicer about it?
Megan,
You don’t seem to realize there is a difference between a horse that fears you and one that is trying to dominate you. Tornado was AFRAID of people, not trying to dominate them. I am so tired of hearing about how you must DOMINATE your horse. Believing this has caused me to lose weeks with my new gelding.
I had a mare many years ago who was timid around people when I got her. I “trained” her simply by just spending time with her after school. I did nothing more than put her on a long rope and sit with her while she grazed. Yes, I sat ON THE GROUND with this horse. I was NEVER hurt by this horse. After working with my new gelding believing that I had to dominate him, I now realize I learned more from that mare than any human when it comes to training horses. I have been getting more response from him just sitting with him while he eats, grooming him, and just spending time with him rather than using “natural horsemanship” methods. I don’t know why I’d bothered to even try to train this horse using “natural hormanship.” I should have realized it wouldn’t work from the time I saw him. It was by getting down on my knees and showing him I wasn’t a threat that I even caught him to begin with. I had allowed his previous owner to try to catch him. It wasn’t till she’d given up catching him after having tried for two hours to no avail that I gave it a try. I went out, got down on my knees and “played” with the grass, showed him I wasn’t a threat and within 10 minutes had a halter on him. 20 minutes later he was in the trailer with absolutely no problems though I’d been told he’d fought and kicked at the people who had loaded him in a trailer previously. The mare I’d had was the same way. When I first met her, she would avoid me until I’d walk away from her. Then she’d come to me and nuzzle my jacket.
I now believe that we as children are actually smarter than we become as adults when it comes to dealing with animals. I too was 13 when I’d gotten that first mare and had not watched any of these “training” videos you find today. It’s a matter of listening to your insticts, something we, as humans, tend to foret as we age. You don’t need to DOMINATE your horse. It’s all in BONDING with him. By the way, I am no longer 13. It’s been 25 years since I’d purcased that first mare, my best friend, and teacher.
Sarah, you did good. I will bet you have a better bond with Tornado than most people have with horses they have dominated. It’s all in gaining the horses trust. Girl, don’t EVER listen to those people who say you are only putting yourself in a dangerous situation doing things like you did. If that’s what it takes to gain the horses trust, do it. Keep up the good work.
And to those who say horses “don’t need time to think.” It’s funny that every professional trainer I’ve watched or read about will tell you to give the horse time to process what you are doing and allow them to come around.
One last thing. To those of you who are brainwashed into believing stallions are more dangerous than mares and geldings, think again. They only become that way when we treat them differently. People tend to treat them differently because they have been brainwashed into believing that they are different.
Kizmet, good points all, I’d been surprised at the harshness in Megan’s comment and feel it’d been unfair of her all together. Didn’t know what I’d wanted to say to her exactly,… now I don’t need to respond to her post. I think Sarah did a good thing and she remained safe for good reason. Thanks for your post! I’d not have been as kind likely!
ohh, Megan, Reading what you wrote gave me no good impression of you at all of your relationship with a horse. There is something called ‘language’, between horses, among horses. Most horses understand one another’s language. Many horse owners do not understand horse language very well. Every once in a while, there comes a person with a natural ability to communicate with a horse. As with Sarah, it was her ability to convey a message to Tornado. It was not submission displayed at all. It was more along the line of not fearing, not feeling threatened along with curiosity created by Sarah. Hence began the trust. You yourself would indeed be a threat to Tornado with this kind of ‘language’. Effective horse communication is part of natural horsemanship. Think about a while.
Okay Megan and Sarah I agree and disagree with both of you on many many levels. Mainly because I am not physically there with Tornado. So here are some words from a “whisperer.” I have worked with many different species including African lions, wolves, cougars and horses. Of course I have a beautiful Brazilian Mastiff (also known as a Fila and a 19 year old house cat who was wild and adopted my family when she 11). First, let’s all agree that labels are the most dangerous part of any relationship, followed by a close second expectations. All living species are individuals with their own flaws and strengths. That understanding of individuality is the key to working well and building a relationship. It helps to recognize the general risks of any situation and general characteristics of any animal take for instance the African Lion this is a predator and I don’t suggest that you walk up to one with your hand out saying here kitty kitty. However, my relationship with the African Lion allowed me to do just this. Quite alarmingly she was as enamored with me as I with her she is one of my greatest memories and experiences. Crawling away from a disgruntled stallion is not something I would ever want to see from a young girl. However we seem to be forgetting that Tornado is an Andalucian and here is where general knowledge of the breed helps. Andalucians are spirited, jovial animals and extremely loyal companions of humans. Historically, they were the great chargers of strength, stamina and athleticism that made them a preferred choice of horsemen/women. They have mischief in their minds curious and playful without harmful intent. Being a rescue we automatically assume this animal was horribly treated, however it is possible that the animal had been greatly loved and other circumstances facilitated its surrender and possible decline in appropriate environment, food and care. It is quite possible that this big boy needed someone to trust him enough to allow him to redirect his distress and anxiety over a loss. To be blunt I am very disgusted with the thought that any human would dare to be dominant with another species end of topic. Consider my Brazilian Mastiff trying to exert dominance or superior position with him will get you nothing more than a sound thrashing. While not known for biting the breed is dominant and expected to be free thinking and the only way to get them to think as you think is to work through it – dominance is nothing but a challenge that will be met. Such is the case many times with horses. Have any of you considered that in the desert horses will lie down to provide protection for their riders from winds and sand storms, in battle they became the barrier between their rider and bullets and who has ever had the misfortune of watching a steeplechase event when a rider falls or a racing event when a rider falls these magnificent animals for fall in a manner to protect the rider from injury often leading to their own death. Do you want to know what natural animal husbandry is? It is the ability to work with the animal one on one building a language, communicating freely based upon trust. That is something you can’t do as long as you think you can dominate each other. Congratulations Sarah on your success and observance of Tornado. To all others I hope you cease your fairytale of dominance and control. Let go – you will never believe what you have been missing. As for me and my big mastiff we will continue to grow our relationship and enjoy life together we can do that because I am not in charge. I depend on him and his ever so wonderful skills and assessments and he trusts me to receive his warnings and respond in a manner that keeps both of us safe and socially acceptable. Just so everyone knows my Yogi is intact meaning if he were a horse he would be a prize winning Stallion. I have had some rough experiences with Stallions in my life and they were all caused by dominating humans. Was this potentially dangerous yes, so is crossing the street and driving a car. Sometimes you have to trust your gut and the Stallion.
Thank god someone is thinking with their head. I am horrified at the amount of people that think this was ok.
To megan
If you have nothing nice to say plz keep your mouth shut! And the girl your arguing against is thirteen for goodness sakes leave her alone. 🙁
And to sarah, goodluck
Listen this is what mares do to there foals when there are born, it’s a way of how mares teach their children. He’d probably experienced this before. I do this all the time with all the horses at the stables.
😀
I love hearing a story like this. I just recently adopted a huge fellow that is so very nervous. I have been hanging out with him and the herd a couple hours a day. He has slowly but surely starting to trust me. He recently allowed me to lift and tend to his feet. The joy this brought me, I cried. It is going to take time but worth every effort.
she didnt necessarily submit to him for one. for two the way you put “horses are animals, they dont need space” makes it seem like they are more things to you then living creatures. dont forget that we ourselves are animals as well. we arent that different from them then you think.
🙂 Good for you Sarah!
Sarah, don’t let anyone discourage you. What you did was NOT the wrong thing to do. You did a total natural thing that anyone who truly knows horses understands this. I am 58 years old and have always used the move away method or move so far and just wait. Horses, Stallions, geldins, mares sees this as a NO threat action that if they want to become close in a herd they themselves will do the same technic with the herd. Like I said I have beem doing these technics since a very small child. I am talking around 4 years of age. Have always been told, I had a natural ability with horses that others would not even go into their padture. I walk through pastures with horses walking in front, beside, and behind me all the time. We all walk as members of the same herd. The only difference is, they look at me as their leader when I walk amongst them, because they fully trust me and know I do them also, yet they know I have no fear. People that say you should not do this, have never learned themselves how to have any faith in their own abilities, and can not get past.their own fears with horses, and will most likely always have problems in gentling, understanding, and trusting any horse that is not kitten gentle. A horse smells fear in humans, literally. Our body casts off different chemicals that animals can actually smell. This horse did not smell fear from you and therefore with your proper action, he knew you meant no harm and carried no fear, so he was safe. Often stallions strike out not from meanness, but out of fear. You have a wonderful future. Keep on going!
To Megan. It is my knowledge as a long time horsewoman of training, working, riding, and most of all communicating with horses, including STALLIONS that you my dear would never be allowed to touch any of my horses. It is a person like you that blinded one of my best horses out of total uncaring, unknowledgeable, ignorant, and fear of one of the most loyal beings, much more than a large amount of humans, that exists! People like you are why horses face the horrible delima they are in right now. You haven’t a clue how to properly handle, much less even be around an EQUINE!
Thank you for putting what I was thinking into words!
When horses fight, they are not always in”close” quarters. I have witness mine fight often in very large 97 acre pasture. They don’t fight to be mean or agtessive. They are most usually doing so after a certsin adult age, as a dispute over their pecking order, not because they are mean. Horses are very intellegent. My blind boy was wild when I purchased him at 2 1/2 years old. He was a Stallion. He would run up and down and all around. Horses are flight beings. He was terrified of humans. He wanted to get as far away as possible from humans. He saw us as a preditore. Everyday I would go into paddock and sit with a little grain ir treat. He would watch me feed a little to my Arabian. Soon he couldn’t resist. He had to come and see what this good thing was that his pasture mate so loved. He is now one of the most loving horses I have. Never trying to overpower anyone, even as herd leader. Quite the contrare…when I enter the pasture, I become the leader of all the horses, because they have never recieved anything less than love. It was my boys FEAR of a horse trader because of the way that he handled him, which was with rough, cruel, and no feelings other than that one would treat s machine. He was trying to flee while being beat with a hard blunt object. He had never known this brutality in his life. He was terrified. You Magen I would say, are the type of person that would do this sort of thing thinking you are teaching a horse submisson…you are wrong. Horses are corrected through love, they learn through love, anything less…you get a broken horse with a broken spirit. You don’t break ones spirit to teach them love. Just like a human….what is the fastest way to make a good human turn violent or cruel? Through abuse. Loyalty comes from love. I broke my boy still a stallion at time, with love, gentle hands, and a kind voice. A cruel hand destoyed his sight with unfeeling harsh hands and cruel voice as a guilding. I had never wanted to truly bring permanent harm to another human like I wanted to do to the evil creature that hurt my horse in all my life. Evil begats evil. You should remember that. Those were our Lords words. But I doubt you know that being either! Shame be upon you and all like you. Karma always comes around, God sees to that, be it in life or death. The person that lets you work with rescues….you are not doing those you rescue any favors with this This! Can’t really call her human…
Folks, express your thoughts, but some of you are really nasty spirited. Sarah, I appreciate you sharing your experience in this open forum. I just hope you aren’t discouraged by some of the comments. Horses are divine creatures and respond to the same calm, reassuring, gentleness people do. Natural horsemanship is exactly what you practiced. I’ve heard well known trainers use the same scenarios using the same stimuli that people react to, to illustrate how a horse is thinking and will react as well. Best wishes and know you’re not alone in your way of thinking.
Why do some people percieve turning away from a horse as submitting, have these people not ever done a join up technique with their horse, the first thing you do once the horse quits running is turn away from it. This neither implies submitting or dominance, in fact you act as if you are ingnoring the horse and then being the curious animal the horse is, he THINKS then approaches because he now wants your attention. Hats off to you Sarah you could teach a few people here what truly being at one with your horse is really about – another thing that worked in your favour is that you are young, through my experiences with my kids and horses, they never act the way they might around a dominate adult with kids. I have what was once a wild brumby (australian wild horse) She would shake with fear if you approached, but by doing things like you said kneeling, squating and ignoring the fear she came round, and my daughter being 9 can braid her tail with the horse not caring, most adults, besides my hubby and myself, still can’t get near her.
I am on the same page here. I NEVER walk all the way up to my horse in the pasture. I get within 10 or 20 yards from her and turn my back to her. She sees me and walks right up to me. I don’t want to have to “catch” her. I want her to WANT to come to me. Works every time. The other horses in the same pasture usually don’t pay attention to me. But if they approach me, I will greet them and move them off when I take my horse out of the field.
I don’t think I would have personally risked squatting down and crawling away, but releasing pressure by withdrawing works wonderfully with horses in the right context. You might have been lucky to get away with what you did, but I don’t think so. For whatever reason you intuited what that stallion needed and he responded because you were not coming from a place of fear. Fear in a horse is often expressed as dominance. Remove the fear and he becomes as gentle as a lamb. I’ve seen it over and over again. Keep your eyes down and don’t face him full on and he no longer sees you as a threat. Personally I think I would have worked with him from outside the fence first till I got his interest and confidence, but then I am not too agile and no longer a spring chicken. These things can take a lot of patience, but the irony is that that often takes less time than trying to force things. Even a dominant horse will cooperate when he trusts you.
We brought in a stallion that had been severely abused. He bit, he kicked, he struck, he bucked, he reared. We were told he was unrideable and unstoppable. The very first session with him our trainer rode him absolutely without any problem and trimmed his hoofs for the first time in his 6 years. This horse had many issues caused by humans. It has taken four years to rehabilitate him properly, but within a very short time he would follow me at my shoulder without rope or halter doing figures of eight or whatever I asked of him. Miracles happen when we work with the horse’s instincts, not against them.
Call in a professional trainer so that he can work with you and your horse. It is worth the money, especially if you are going to work and compete with a stallion.
Wow. A lot of different opinions. Seems to me that every horse and every circumstance is different. Learning, trying, finding out what works for you and YOUR horse is optimum.
I have a problem. I live in Princeton, BC, Canada, have 2 rescue horses. I have cerebral palsy and am on disability. Horses never been ridden, but are gentle. I can’t pay a trainer etc., it takes all my spare $$$ to look after these two. Can’t grip with my knees, no strength. Arms the same. Both arms/legs different lengths. WANT to RIDE, not hitch ’em to a cart or…. even if only in my own pasture (10 acres). Won’t get rid of horses. No disabled riding anywhere near. Am desperate. Suggestions?
If you find someone who is able to ride the horses to see how they are under saddle…do you have someone who can assist you into the saddle? My husband and I with the help and thoughts of our friends made a saddle with a back brace and seat belt for a girl who could not sit up by herself and no leg strength. She was able to ride and eventually rode in a saddle minus the braces. I can check and see where that saddle is and maybe ship it? Let me know. Sherri
Hello,
I wanted to share a story about a horse I now dearly love and adore.
This horse was told to be unstoppable. His name is Stormy. A beautiful chestnut thoroughbred, so now here is the story.
My riding teacher was driving one day to her barn and saw a horse on the side of the road, grazing. A natural instinct for a horseman, she walked out to the horse, but it kicked, bite, and reared at her. So she called her employees to come and carefully take him to her barn. After 3 hours of hard work they finally got him in a trailer and took him into to her pasture. She tried to break him herself but it was no use. So one day I was sitting out by a lake (there is one right across from the pasture) and looking at all of the animals in the lake. I guess Stormy decided that he wanted to know what I was doing so he came up to me… then I turned around to see the horse right behind the gate behind me staring straight into my eyes. Then I walk up to Stormy talking softly wile I do, but he starts to get nervous and rears and runs off. So I told my self it was a good start. The next day I went to see Stormy I decided I didn’t want to give up on taming him or letting him trust someone, so I got rid of my fears said a quick prayer and reached my hand out, I was looking down hoping not to see my pain, but there was no pain… just something furry under my hand… I looked up and Stormys soft muzzle was under my hand. Then I came closer and then a little closer in till I was petting him. Now I am still his only friend but he knows what I am feeling and I know what he’s feeling. Stormy is my best friend.
I just recently got on to receiving these e-mail notifications from Alistair Lee but I think what Sarah did is wonderful. Horses are not machines. I suggest to the non believers to go to Monty Roberts web site and take a look at what he has been doing for a long time. Thankyou Allistair for sharing this wonderful story
I personally have witnessed Monty Roberts working with troubled horses here in Oregon. He is the best horseman out there in my opinion. He doesn’t take advantage of his clients and is very generous with the sharing of his knowledge. I have also never heard him criticize another trainer by name,only the other trainers methods. By watching his clinics and reading his book I began to understand what makes me different with my handling of horses and that I had been utilizing natural teaching methods for years without knowing it. I prefer the word teach to train in handling horses. Monty Roberts also emphasizes safety in handling difficult horses and has said some horses can not be tamed successfully. Fred
wow alot of different opinions. the main thing is that everyone here is concerned with the welfare of the horse
it dosent matter who is right or wrong
it sounds like everyone is treating the horse with love or kindness isnt that the most important thing 🙂
Sarah, I think what you did with your communication to the stallion was a really brave thing to do specially when you did not know the horse, so i along with others above congratulate you, C.S does not know what she is talking about, she more than likely is not a real horse person, keep doing what you are doing, Tornado, is going to get attached to you, you are doing the right thing, I`m very impressed and i would like to know your outcome
😉 To Dian Brooks very sorry to hear of your disability, reading your storey, i can see that you do love horses, why not google on your computer where the nearest RDA is or maybe try to arrange for a meeting somewhere get volentiers and start an RDA in your area, I`m well knownen horse person here in Australia nsw, if i can help some other way then send me a message, we live along way from eachother.
Here’s to someone who thinks outside the box! I know when you turn your back on a horse they come to you, but I would of never thought of the crawling away, especially with his previous behavior. I’ll remember that and share with other people who are horse folks. Sherri
ag how sweeeet!!! My horse is just as nervous. Especially if my daughter goes on an outride with the mare. He goes crazy! I recently started “grasing” (picking at grass) on my knees. he joined me in this and I was overwhelmed. I stood up not looking at him and started with a jog through his paddock and he would follow closely. If I walked he would walk. I swear, if it was a soccer game it would have been a good one. haahahaha! He did not run up and down, kikking and bucking looking for her. he just wants a friend with him. shame. sometimes we have to become a horse to keep them happy. not expect them to become human.
I have recently started receiving the emails from Alistair. I am totally captivated, you are all so knowledgeable. I had my own Mare when I was a child and rode until I was 24 and preggy with my first child. But I really feel that I know nothing about horses now,(I am 66) everything is so technical and the horses trained so differently. I look forward to the next mail and your comments, thank you.
Gelding him would be my first step…..hope you have by now!
I want Nancy Newman to come to my place and teach me some things. I am in Oregon where are you Nancy?
I am 48 and been around horses since I was 3. I am always learning. Good luck Sarah
People break or make a horse, I win a horse that was out off controlled because his boss hit him with a whip in his face,he could trust anyone so he start behave badly, wanted eny humans to kick him to death, I took the horse home and put him on calm powder for a week and started training him every day, he is my best outride horse, I loved him so muchn all he want is love
I was once told be careful in choosing your horse’s name….They just may live up to it.
😀 Yay! Sarah!!!! Weird isn’t it how some people can relate to a horse and others can’t. i know some that we don’t get along but will behave beautifully with other people.
just wanted to say that I truly believe names have BIG meanings. it seems if i’m having trouble with any animal, I look at it’s name and decide if that’s the behaviour i want when i call it’s name. True story; a feral cat came to us pregnant and decided to stay. She finally had her kittens (inside the house!) and adopted us. We named her scardy-cat and that’s how she acted. i changed her name to Love-Bug and know that’s how she acts! Still a little bit spooky at times but now snuggles in my lap and wants loving all the time! Wow! names for everything have so much meaning or so i think! 🙂
I find some of these stories hard to believe.like the girl with the horses comment, your trainer found a horse by the side of the road, takes him home, and decides to break him the next day? Without even trying to find his owner? He coulda already been broken, just scared from wandering around on his own. Nobody claimed this thorougbred, in my experience thouroughbreds arent just wandering around the roadside without belonging to someone. This isnt the black stallion movie or some other film. And as for this story if its true, this girl got very lucky and one day that could change in an instant. Example a mare in heat could be around. I own horses and have been around many over the years however i wouldnt allow children unsupervised around my barn, with mares geldings OR stallions.
For your own safety, this stallion should be gelded! With so many horses around, presumably several mares, he can become a lethal weapon.
There are plenty of colts going unwanted so breeding should be out of the question and then why would you tempt fate with a stud? Just saying!
Wonderful Sarah. The best way to get a horses trust is through natural communication. And not sure if you know you did but acting like a horse walking away from Tornado gave him the security he needed knowing you were not there to do him harm. lovely story
that’s so cool I read about that in a book one time so awesome
email me any time to give more tips
🙂 I am so very happy to read these responses to sarahs situation,. every last one of there are truthful and practical. We are all lovers, of horses. horse people if you will in the world of novices. I applaud you all. I hope this if knowledge for life she will take serious and learn from.
Smart girl, love the happy ending. Good to know this, makes sense it would work.
Megan, if you have nothing positive to say, my be you should keep silent and go to your room to learn how to write properly…
Nancy Newman and Kizmet 74: Wow! very well said. Intelligent and realistic comments! Bravo!
Sarah well done that you were able to calm Tornado and show him kindness so that he could trust in you. However, I don’t encougage the way you did it I believe it was unsafe and quite dangerous.Being on your hands and knees in a paddock with a stallion who was unsettled I think is ridiculous. Several things could have happened to you which could have caused injury or even death.Just remember horses are very unpredictable animals and whilst you had a win this time round it doesn’t mean next time you will have the same success. Keep on loving them and showing kindness as they will come round in the end, they are beautiful animals and how anyone can be cruel and unkind to them is simply beyond me. Cheers Sarah.. Jenny
Check out the “Join Up” method at http://www.montyroberts.com
😯 I fell little Sara done what she thougtht be
st at the moment, Personally i wouldn’t want my child to be on the ground with an unpredictable horse. “An adult should have een precent to teach her what to do and not do. Moving away is a good methed, i do that, time patients and kindness is the proper way, keep up the good work young lady, just stay on your feet, and when your back is towards the horse keep your eyes looking over your shoulder. Good luck darlin.
💡 I agree with Nancy Newman & all the others who are for the horses- first & foremost you have to gain the horses trust & then bond from thereon – it saddens me so very much to see these “professional” trainers trying to break the horses spirit – God gave them that spirit for a reason -why try to take it away? Gain their trust and develop a close bond, and you will have a friend for- Life
Well done Sarah! 😉 It’s lovely to hear of people who can think about things from the horse’s point of view. If they won’t do it through love and bucket loads of patients, they won’t do it at all. Good Woman! 😛
I myself was very young when i got my first equine. A mare with a 2 week foal. The mare was frightened of any one taller then her. I was only the height of her chin. Long story short I studyed her body language her ears eyes musles and so on. I listened to my instincts my gut. You have a great start. By the time you get my age you will be able to tell what is going on in the equines minds by watching. I do wish i could pass my knowlegde on to you. People like you are hard to find that start out on the right foot.
Keep up the good work.
Wonderful story. Great insite. I would bet you are great at controlling your feelings so fear did not show.
Ive read Everyones comments on Sarahs technique. With many of you bringing up the danger involved in what Sarah did, and you are all correct, it is dangerous. What I didnt see, is comments regarding the knowledge and experience behind taking on a neglected, or abused horse.I saw no one recommend an alternate means to gain the same success in the end.
SOMETIMES, (depending on what has happened to that horse) we need to start at the bottom, gaining trust. Sarah, although it was a submissive act-INITIALLY, and it sounds as though it was not repeated, but built upon thereafter, was starting at the absolute bottom, gaining the horse’s trust and most likley saved this horses life (as he could have ended up at slaughter as being an “unruly” horse). Keep in mind, horses can READ us,
Sarah, there may have been a safer way to achieve the same results, however, I dont know of a single one. Build on your trust, and respect with you and this horse from this point forward, I commend you for taking a chance on this horse, obviously you READ him right.
ANd for all that posts that will follow me here screaming full of their own opinions, remember, you never offered any alternative, AND you werent there to evaluate the situation and the mood of the horse or Sarah.
My hats off to you Sarah!
Thanks for sharing your story Sarah. I have recently bought my first horse and made my life long dream come true. I have been reaching out to other horse people in my area for sugestions and learning. I have never met more negitive people in my life. Instead of getting any good advice all I have come across is criticism about how I shouldn’t even have my horse and how amateur horse owners ruin horses. I don’t understand why people are like this but I have learned to ignor those people and I have found a few that are happy that my horse “Teddy” and I have found each other and they are so very helpful with any advice they can give to me, and I absorb all they have to offer. Keep doing what you love and take all the positive that you recieve and ignor the negitive. I wish you all the best to you and all the horse lifes that you touch!!!
Hello .glad to hear that your working hard with a horse that had been through a very rotten time . Keep up the good work and take time like your doing from Mary
I have never left a comment on this site, mainly because I feel that there are some great responses – what else can I add. But this time I was so appalled by Megan’s response that I just have to add to the positive responses to let Sarah know there is one more person who is quite sure that whether she realizes or not, Sarah has a super natural instinct about horses. Sarah, CONGRATULATIONS. I suspect you are going to have one terrific adventure with horses in your life.
I’m disappointed at people that are so quick to jump on people they don’t really know. I’m responsible for children & horses and a 13 year old is a child. If that child was injured from doing what she did, I could well imagine the law suit. I don’t let children get down on one knee to groom. They must always be on two feet and able to remove themselves from unexpected trouble. It was already stated the stallion had issues. Why was a 13 year old even allowed to go in there & deal with it? The adult in charge should have known better. We are all relieved Sarah was not hurt. It clearly could have gone badly for her.
Awesome! Well done!
We have a horse at work that after almost drowning in flood waters, became too dangerous to handle. I volunteered to try and help him. He was kept in the round yard at the centre so I decided to sit on the other side of the fence with my back to him whilst I read a book. After a few minutes, he realised that I wasn’t there to hurt him or to force him to do anything he didn’t want to do. he slowly walked over to me, poked his head through the fence and sniffed at my book. I slowly turned around and remained on the ground so as not to frighten him and appear as non threatening as possible. He let me pat him before he walked off to eat some grass. I continued to read my book.
eventually I managed to get a halter on him and lead him around. Nearly a year later and I am now able to lie down with him and have a nap without having to worry about him hurting me.
😆 😆 To Sarah and Nancy et al. In total agreement. For the Love of a Horse…..that is why we are sharing on Al’s blog.
Likewise, I listen to my little horse voice…..there are sadly sometimes a horse where the human left to big a scar….always work with caution…share …resource….we cannot achieve miracles if we don not ask and work for them. !!God speed to all. Elfrede
So many opinions, Sarah, what you did worked, that’s the main thing. Sure, it was, or could have been dangerous, but it worked! You are a good judge of the horse and you obviously conveyed a confident, gentle, no pressure stance. I love reading the stories and comments, I learn a lot.
To Dian, don’t d
Give up on your dream! There are so many paraolympians out there, could you contact riding for the disabled association, maybe they will be able to help you. Is there a hospital near you? Is there an occupational therapist that could work with you so that, you could realise your dreams. What about Equine assisted therapy?
What are some simple ways to bond with your horse and build trust?
Spending unstructured time with your horse, grooming them, and doing groundwork exercises are great ways to bond. Just hanging out without an agenda lets them see you as a friend, while grooming feels like social bonding to them, similar to how horses groom each other. Groundwork helps establish trust and respect, and of course, the occasional treat doesn’t hurt! Over time, these positive experiences create a strong connection that makes your relationship feel natural and rewarding.