What Your Horse Needs to be Good

Your horse isn't much different than you. He wants to be relaxed, comfortable, and be able to cope with the world around him.

Relaxation is important to a horse because it's the opposite of stressed. Stress triggers the fight-flight response, not to mention that it's just plain stressful!!

If you don't comfort, you have discomfort. No one, horse nor human, wants discomfort. So, to make sure your horse has what he needs to be comfortable chose properly fitting tack, a good therapeutic saddle pad, and ride your horse in a way that's appropriate for his level of condition and conformation. Also make sure that his feet are properly balanced. Try wearing crooked ill-fitting shoes while you stand on your feet all day for weeks on end. It's not fun! Oh, and don't forget your horse's teeth. An experienced equine dentist can take care of the points and hooks that can tear up your horse's teeth, the inside of his cheeks, and make it impossible for him to move his jaw properly when he carries the bit.

Last but not least, help your horse negotiate his world. Don't expect him to understand what you're asking of him or to brave all the time. Everyone needs a compassionate helping hand every once in a while. When you're handling your horse, he relies on your leadership and guidance to feel confident and capable of handling anything that comes his way.