One of many causes I feel we love horses, is the flexibility to ‘love on’ our horses. I do know that if on the finish of the day I’ve filth underneath my nails as a result of I bought to scratch my horses throughout, I am a contented lady.
However horses have their very own emotions about receiving bodily consideration from folks. Typically horses do not wish to obtain this consideration. Giving animals a way of selection and management over issues like receiving consideration has many constructive advantages – for the person animal and the connection they’ve with that individual.
Are you aware the Three Second Rule for petting horses? The Three Second Rule started within the canine world, as a approach to train folks to acknowledge how a canine could really feel about being petted. In brief, pet your canine for 3 seconds after which cease. Does the canine solicit for extra, or do they stroll away, seem uncomfortable, or present different indicators indicating they aren’t ?
I like to make use of this rule with my very own horses, and people I meet at consults. I need the horse to have the flexibility to speak ‘No thanks’ or ‘Extra please’. This quick clip demonstrates each of those reactions to receiving bodily consideration, and the way I might reply.
Whereas it could appear counter-intuitive, once we give horses the flexibility to opt-in or opt-out of this sort of interplay, we frequently will see a rise within the horse’s willingness to interact with us on this means.