We have been working with animals almost every day now for about a month and a half, and have been trying to learn exactly what kind of behaviour is most effective towards building relationships with them.
Horses can sense more than just fear. Even if you are just a little uncertain about your intentions, they will either take advantage of this or respond with uncertainty themselves. The horse isn't just being ‘naughty’ and not doing what you ask of it, but is feeling insecure, and its actions reflect its confusion.
On the other hand, we have found that the horses' insecurity can be useful, if risky. Twice a day we have to stop Shibalba from bullying, biting and taking food from Muchacha (who is lower down in the horse-hierarchy). This is generally impossible most of the time, but at feeding time she must allow Muchacha to eat.
One rainy day this suddenly became much easier; Shibalba did not know what the strangely flapping new bat-like creature coming towards her could possibly be (actually, it was Dave in a poncho), and kept her distance. However, flapping at an insecure horse is not really recommended; her insecurity could very easily have resulted in the ‘creature’ getting a kick.
On the whole we have found that the calmer and more certain you are towards the horses the calmer and more responsive they are. Whilst interacting with people and horses is certainly different, many lessons can be applied with fellow humans.
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