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Space - The concept of space is something that you already understand; you just need to relate it to the horse. If you have ever been to a party where someone comes up to you and stands to close, they have violated your personal space. Normally, you are going to take a step back and continue with conversation or whatever you were doing. Every person is different, but with a horse your personal space "bubble" is probably 18"-24" around your body. Personal space is different with a horse, the horse should not be allowed into this space unless you ask the horse to be there. The horse should move out of this space, not you -- it is very important that the horse be the one that moves. In your relationship with the horse, if you move - your horse has taught you to yield to him. Your horse would be telling you that you are lower in the herd pecking order and that's not what we are after in this relationship.

Do not allow a horse into your personal space unless you ask the horse to come into you. When standing near a horse:

What you are working for is a relationship where you can ask your horse to stand, lead, and yield to you with respect for your personal space.

How to deal with a horse in your space:

For the beginner, there are two tools that make this a lot easier; a rope halter and a lead rope, both made from high quality kernmantle yacht braid. Assuming that you are able to halter your horse, stand about two feet off your horse's shoulder. Will your horse stand still? Does he move his shoulder into you? Does his head come into your space? Does your horse try to step on you?

Horses spend thousands of hours learning how to yield other horses and move them in a direction they want. It only makes sense that they would try to yield a human too. A horse will test you to see if you will yield almost immediately. If you want to be the leader in this relationship you need to quickly set up the pecking order.

Moving into your space: This is a test to see if you will move (yield) out of the horses way. You can quickly yield the horse off of you by twirling the lead rope at the offending horse body part - shoulder or rear. Be prepared for quick movements from the horse, don't overreact - A horse may be surprised that you are now telling them that they are the one who has to yield.

Swinging its head into you: A horse in the herd uses it's jawbone as a weapon to yield other horses. This is a battle you can never win. You may need to use the palm of your hand to persuade the horse to move it's head out of the way. Don't be afraid of hurting the horse, they aren't afraid of hurting you. You want to the horse to know that this is not acceptable - move into this space and you will run into the palm of my hand. They will learn to respect your space quickly, this is not punishment - it is a correction.


Stepping on you: This is another way that a horse will try to yield you and get you out of their space. You can deal with this the same way that you would with a horse that is moving into your space or you can make this uncomfortable for the horse by stepping on the coronet band of the horse. You are not trying to injure the horse, but make them uncomfortable. Be quick and prepared, the front feet of the horse are lightning fast. Don't attempt this with a horse that you don't know or trust.

Next Concept: Leading

There is some risk involved in horse training for both you and the horse. Horses can cause serious injury. Be sensible and don’t attempt anything that is outside your comfort level. This information is intended to illustrate how we apply our training techniques, you are responsible for using this information wisely. If you don’t feel comfortable with your abilities or an exercise, don’t do it! Seek advice or assistance from a professional horse trainer. Stay on the "high side of trouble".

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Last updated: July 17, 2003