Cycle of Fear

Fear and Control are contradictory. When we are afraid, we search for things that make us feel in control, to reduce our fear. This is inherrent, neurological, in all living beings who have a will to live. We fight for homeostasis, normalcy, comfort. When we are afraid we grab hold on the things that bring us back to this comfort. As do our horses.

So when we go to our horse and we are afraid for our or their safety, we have a tendency to grab for tools and techniques which make us feel in control. So when i see a trainer or owner grabbing for harsh tools, like bits, whips, chains, ect... i see a trainer who is afraid of (or for) their horse.

The handler, in fear, seizes control of the horse through tools and techniques of force. But the horse, being a sentient being who values their life, becomes afraid of the pain, restraint, and lack of control. This results in the horse doing exactly what the human just did. They grab for control in anyway they can. They use techniques and tools, like teeth, hooves, and their size, to regain control.

Violence begets violence. Both struggle for control because both are afraid. Until one of them surrenders control and accepts their fate, risking their sense of safety.

But the thing is, neither would have been in danger or afraid if one didn't start the cycle. The moment we begin the cycle of confrontation, we escalate until someone "loses".

Here's the other thing. We are the human. We already have all the control. We have fences, halters, stalls, sedative drugs, we have helmets, safety gear, we control their access to resources, friends, and freedom. We already control everything. They have so little. Taking that last little bit away from them, because we are afraid, when we have the choice to not expose ourselves to that fear.

Don't let the cycle begin. Choose safety through management and ethical training.