Self-defense behavior of the horse
The opposition reflex : a self-defense behavior of the horse
The opposition reflex is a self-defense behavior of the horse that naturally opposes pressure.
The pressure exerted on a horse is when you push (with or without contact) on one of its body areas (you can see an illustration in our FB Group here).
We must take the time to visualize what this point of contact can be : thus,
- when you pull on the halter, it is the headrest that pushes on the back of the neck,
- and by pulling on the reins, the bit pushes into the horse's mouth.
What to observe in our relationship with our horse ?
It is the finesse of our relationship with our horse that is the first indicator ...
Here are some very common instances of horse self-defense behavior : it's up to you to find out where you stand with yours.
- difficulties in boarding the van,
- horse who pulls back
- keep pulling the tether to get him to come, or the reins to slow him down,
- if he just won't let us pass without moving,
- when he does not give his foot or takes it back before the end of the treatment ...
In short : as soon as it is necessary pull or push to obtain (or not) a response or an intention to respond to a request.
When the horse behaves like this it is important to understand its reasons :
- often natural for him
- but it can also be the consequence of his experience with humans. Trauma sometimes but also quite simply “no” communication… or “no” learning.
Thus, when one has established a trust relationship with our horse (you can see an illustration in our FB Group here), we will be able to move forward in a trust relationship :
- start and always come back to trust because how can we hope to establish a relationship of respect with a being who does not trust us ?
- then build a relationship of mutual respect.
I present to you Montana, Paint Horse of 4 years old and just broke during the filming of the video : he responds to a simple touch of the back of his hand on his zone 3.
Natural horse riding lessons and courses are offered at Val de Vie which is also a club affiliated to the FFE : for more information is here.
