Is he just brave or is it trust?

[debsey1]

This is just a ramdom thought whilst sitting here bored at work.

When out on hacks we explore the countryside and although he is 13 years old there are many things he still hasn't encountered. The other day we had to cross a running stream to get to the other side, he snorted, ears back, started to nap and after words of encouragment we went across. The water came up to his belly and I thought he must have either really trusted me to take him over or was really brave, after all, he wasn't to know how deep it was?

We've come face to face with cows roaming loose coming towards us, he suddenly stands stock still and again with a gentle kick on and kind words of encouragment he walks forward towards the cows.

There have been so many instances where he has either trusted my judgement or he is just plain brave?

What do others think?

 

[LouiseG]

My horse is like that! He has enough trust in me/people in general to know that if I say it's safe, then it is! He has such a trusting nature and it's adorable! You can see the worry in his face when he encounters something scary and just a few words and a little nudge and he ambles on!

 

[ImmyS]

I think it's a bit if both, some horses are more 'brave' than others, but essentially I believe that some horses take their confidence from the rider, therefore if the rider says go, it's safe to go. I think others are more independent and therefore if they decide they don't like something they don't seek confidence or direction from the rider they try to deal with it there own way if that makes sense? Or I'm just blabbing

Any how my tb mare is the same, if there's anything scary she'll go past if I ask, there's no battle.. I think ultimately he trusts you will keep him safe, just always remember it can take a second to break that trust if you get in a tricky situation.

Sounds like you guys have a nice bond!

Immy x

 

[Rose Folly]

70% your horse trusts you - 30% he may be brave/placid. You should be proud of yourself, and proud of him too. Water up to the belly? Madam and I would have to have a long discussion about that - didn't you know it makes you WET!

 

[debsey1]

70% your horse trusts you - 30% he may be brave/placid. You should be proud of yourself, and proud of him too. Water up to the belly? Madam and I would have to have a long discussion about that - didn't you know it makes you WET!

I was really proud of him that day, the funny thing was after we crossed it and done a loop we had to cross it again to get back where we started he just strolled through like it was no big deal with me bent over giving lots of cuddles. He is a stocky cob the water wouldn't have come up that high if he was a leggy tb

 

[Feathered]

I think a lot of it is trust. When I first got my mare she was a bit of a cow, bolshy, self opinionated and she had learnt to rely on herself, if she didn't like something she would turn and run home. It could be very scary, because basically she didn't yet have faith in me so she took flight to where she felt safe...

Fast forward to when our relationship had cemented and she trusted me, she would stand and face down anything and go wherever I asked her to. I even felt her quivering underneath me at something but I said c'mon Lil it's ok, and she would believe me against all her instincts...

Never ceases to amaze me.

 

[debsey1]

I think a lot of it is trust. When I first got my mare she was a bit of a cow, bolshy, self opinionated and she had learnt to rely on herself, if she didn't like something she would turn and run home. It could be very scary, because basically she didn't yet have faith in me so she took flight to where she felt safe...

Fast forward to when our relationship had cemented and she trusted me, she would stand and face down anything and go wherever I asked her to. I even felt her quivering underneath me at something but I said c'mon Lil it's ok, and she would believe me against all her instincts...

Never ceases to amaze me.

It's lovely when you finally have that connection. I really feel a deep bond with my boy now although it took a good year to cement.

 

[katie_southwest]

I think sometimes we forget that when they see/hear/smell something scary everything inside them is saying 'run'

I have to remind myself that when we get past something scary that actually it IS a big achievement!

 

[Nudibranch]

I would say probably trust - my yearling often worries about new things but he will follow my lead and do what he's asked, he's really great in that respect. This despite the fact he is currently sharp as a needle and full of silly beans, I wouldn't trust him as far as I could throw him when he's turned out... once the halter is on though, he seems to understand that what I say goes. Horses like that are worth their weight in gold.