Q&A for How to Train a Horse to Respect You

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How long will it take to get my horse to respect me?

Kate Jutagir
Equestrian Specialist & Trainer
Kate Jutagir is an Equestrian Specialist, Hunter/Jumper Trainer, and the Owner of Blackhound Equestrian, a premier training barn located on 65 acres in Castro Valley, California. Originally designed to be a riding school used as a springboard for dedicated students into careers in the sport, Blackhound Equestrian has grown into a hunter/jumper training program for all levels focusing on providing a solid foundation needed for personal advancement in the sport. Kate has over 25 years of equestrian instruction and training experience. Her focus on developing horse and rider partnerships provides a complete equestrian education for both beginners and advanced riders alike.

Kate Jutagir

Equestrian Specialist & Trainer

Expert Answer

Just like people, it'll take a longer time to get some horses engaged and listening to you. Other times it can happen pretty quickly. The key is patience.

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Question

My pony always nuzzles me in the coat and in the pants when I give her a treat. Is this bad? I don't let her try to bite, though.

Community Answer

Your horse is just being affectionate. It's showing its appreciation for the treat.

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Question

Moving backwards is not natural for a horse, which is why it is used as a training tool and considered dominant. Is it really necessary to make your horse back up 20 feet?

Trailer Two

Community Answer

Depending on what you're doing this will vary, if you're not competing, then don't worry about it too much.

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Question

Backing up isn't natural for horses. Also, you need to keep contact with your horse.

Equestriangoose

Top Answerer

Backing up is completely natural for horses. In the wild, horses might back away from another horses, from any threat, or if something gets to close to them. It isn't necessary to be in contact with the horse all the time. A leader allows independence to its followers. The point of a leader is to teach and guide the follower. This won't happen when you manipulate their bodies and/or minds.

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