The Power of Bonds

Bronzz walks on a strange surface that moves

A recent study showed that a horse’s relationship with his handler impacts his reaction to a strange situation. 76 horses were tested for their willingness to walk across a strange surface and allow themselves to be touched with a strange object. Horses were more reluctant if they had:
- Multiple handlers
- A shorter relationship with their handler
- Multiple owner changes
The implications of this are huge For instance, we should EXPECT a horse to be anxious with a new owner; he’s in a strange place AND has no connection to count on. Want a recipe for an anxious horse? Take a horse who has already been through multiple moves, put him in a new place with a new owner, and have him handled by multiple people.
Can it get worse? Yes. Mistake his anxious behavior for disobedience or lack of “respect”, and “move his feet” in a round pen or with a twirling rope. This says loud and clear, “Go away, I don’t want a bond. I just want obedience.” The correlation between a horse’s confidence and his connection with his owner also sheds light on the common scenario where a horse returns from a trainer more anxious than when he left. Any bond with the owner has been disrupted. This doesn't mean that professional training has no value, but the goal of training needs to be clear. A good trainer teaches skills and builds confidence at the same time. However, if the problem arises from the way the owner is handling or riding the horse, no trainer can fix the horse because the horse is not the problem. The owner will be more successful if she finds a good instructor to coach her.
What can we do? A bond does not require that you and your horse have years together, or that no one else handles him. A bond can develop very quickly when you show him that you are his Protector, and he can count on you to keep him safe.

Brandy lets me drape a flag over her face

Brandy came to me very fearful. I showed her the day we met that she could count me to be her Protector. Trusting me to keep her safe, Brandy quickly became more confident in strange situations. Here she stands unrestrained as I drape a flag fully over her face, blocking her vision. My book What Horses Really Want explains how to build your horse's trust and confidence by being his Protector Leader. Brandy, Bronzz, and Shiloh demonstrate how it works.

References:
“Multiple handlers, several owner changes and short relationship lengths affect horses’ responses to novel object tests”
by Océane Liehrmanna, AlisaViitanen, Veera Riihonen, Emmi Alander, Sonja E.Koski, Virpi Lummaaa Léa Lansade
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168159122001678
Long-term relationship with owner reduces horses' stress reactions in new situations
“Researchers urge rethink of 'Monty Roberts' horse training method”
by University of Sydney
https://phys.org/news/2012-07-urge-rethink-monty-roberts-horse.html

How to Become a Protector Leader:
What Horses Really Want by Lynn Acton
Articles describing how to be a horse's Protector Leader

Brandy and me

Standing with me on the see saw is a game Brandy likes and initiates herself.