Observing wild horses – or those recently removed from the wild – offers us a rare glimpse into authentic equine behavior. These horses, untouched by early human conditioning, respond to us with raw and honest feedback. Their actions are deeply rooted in natural herd dynamics, making them invaluable teachers for understanding how our communication and training methods align – or conflict – with their instincts.
The Problem with Dominance-Based Approaches
This contrast between wild and domesticated horses often highlights common misunderstandings in our approach. For example, a widely used practice in natural horsemanship is asking a horse to back up as a way to assert dominance. While it may seem like an effective way to establish leadership, this exercise often leads to miscommunication and can weaken the connection between horse and human. Let’s explore why this happens and how to ask for backing up in a way that builds trust and respect.
The Misunderstanding: Leadership Means Dominance
Many horse owners believe that acting as an uncompromising leader will build trust. A common exercise to demonstrate dominance is driving a horse backwards with a strong, assertive energy. The assumption is that this signals to the horse that we are “higher in rank.”
However, there is no fixed ranking among members within a herd, there is only a fixed ranking system among stallions from different herds. Within a herd, horses follow the herd stallion voluntarily, because they trust him. They also organize difficult tasks cooperatively. So, when we drive a horse backwards in a dominant way, what message are we actually sending to our horse then?
The Horse’s Perspective
1. For Herd Members
If the horse being driven backwards has no leadership role in its herd, this action comes across just as impolite and, in this situation, as unnecessary. But, since these horses prioritize harmony, they will often comply to maintain peace, but they won’t interpret the exercise as a sign of your ‘higher rank’, as these horses have nothing to do with the ranking. Instead, they see it as a rude request to move, which can weaken trust and cooperation rather than strengthen it.
2. For Horses in the Leadership Position:
If however, the horse is leading its own herd – in domesticated herds this role is often taken on by geldings, but also by strong-willed mares – and we force it with a dominant energy to step backwards – this can escalate into a fight. What we also tell our horse with this, is that we do not belong to the same herd, and with this are not interested in a relationship, as only herd leaders from different herds clarify who is higher in rank. So, it can become a problem – and it is weakening our relationship.
So, while most horses comply due to their role within a herd or by previous conditioning, others may resist or even retaliate, as their role involves protecting the herd and maintaining stability. Forcing them into submission not only undermines their trust in you but also risks creating conflict.
The Importance of Context
Within a herd of wild horses, backing up is not about dominance. Instead, it’s a practical behavior used to create space or navigate confined areas. When we ask a horse to back up, it’s crucial to consider the situation, the horse’s role in their herd, and their individual character. Adding unnecessary aggression or impatience to the request can create confusion or fear.
A Better Approach to Backing Up
Does this mean we should never ask a horse to back up? Not at all! Backing up is a normal request within a herd when done correctly. It’s however, never done to fix problems. As problems are avoided much earlier than this – where they begin. So, asking another horse to back up, is not about ‘making it think’ humbling it, let alone ‘fixing’ problems. It’s just the question: it’s really tight here, can you back up, please? So, here is how you can ask your horse to go backwards without weakening your connection:
- Ask Politely: Use subtle signals, such as shifting your body position or lightly touching the horse’s shoulder.
- Be Context-Aware: Avoid using backing up as a dominance exercise. Instead, focus on practical scenarios, like creating space or navigating tight areas.
- Stay Calm and Patient: Allow the horse time to process the request. Avoid adding aggression or unnecessary pressure.
- Build Trust First: Establish a foundation of trust and respect before you ask this question by proving yourself as a competent and consistent leader. Horses are more likely to offer cooperation voluntarily when they feel safe and understood.
Moving Toward Cooperation
True leadership with horses is about creating safety and earning their trust, not enforcing dominance. By observing how wild horses naturally interact, we can learn to communicate in ways that honor their instincts and build genuine relationships. So, the next time you consider asking your horse to back up, ask yourself: Are you seeking compliance, or are you fostering connection? The answer can make all the difference in your journey together.
If you’d like to dive deeper into this topic, check out my video on YouTube, where I explain this concept further with examples: Here you can find my YouTube channel: YouTube
You can also join me for my next Live Talk, held once a month, where we explore topics like this in more detail and answer your questions live. Click here to learn more: Live Talk
And if you’re ready to take the next step in transforming your relationship with your horse, consider joining the Being Herd Community. It’s a space where we dive into these insights together and support one another on this journey. Learn more about Being Herd here: Being Herd
I can’t wait to see you there!
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