Even if it’s a magnificent sight to see in films or horse shows, managing a horse’s behavior in real life may be risky and difficult for handlers and riders.
The are several reasons for rearing, safety precautions for both humans and horses, and tried-and-true methods for stopping and changing this potentially dangerous behavior.
Riders and trainers may strive towards developing a safer, more harmonious relationship with their equine companions by comprehending the underlying issues and putting suitable training methods into practice.
Let’s check out this blog to get to know about the proven ways to stop horse rearing and improve the behavior of your four-legged friend.
What is Horse Rearing?
Rearing is a behavior where a horse stands on its hind legs, lifting its front legs off the ground.
This action can range from a slight lift to a full vertical stand and may occur when a horse is ridden, led, or free.
The duration and height of rearing vary, with some horses briefly lifting their front hooves while others maintain a full rear for several seconds.
This behavior is considered dangerous as it can unseat riders, potentially causing serious injuries.
There’s also a risk of the horse losing balance and falling backward, endangering both the horse and rider. When led from the ground, a rearing horse might strike the handler with its front hooves.
Although rearing can be a natural behavior in certain situations like stallion fights or play, it’s generally undesirable and hazardous in domesticated horses interacting with humans.
The unpredictability and potential for harm make rearing a concerning behavior that horse handlers and riders must be prepared to address and prevent for the safety of both humans and horses.
Understanding Why Horses Rear
Rearing in horses is a natural behavior that can stem from various causes.
To effectively address and prevent rearing, it’s crucial to understand what triggers this action in the first place.
- Instinctive Response: In the wild, rearing is a defensive mechanism used by horses to ward off predators or establish dominance within their herd. This instinct can manifest in domesticated horses when they feel threatened or cornered.
- Pain or Discomfort: Physical discomfort is a common cause of rearing. Issues such as ill-fitting tack, dental problems, back pain, or lameness can provoke a horse to rear as a way to escape the source of pain.
- Confusion or Frustration: Horses may rear when they don’t understand what’s being asked of them or when they’re frustrated by conflicting signals from their rider. This is often seen in young or inexperienced horses still learning to work with humans.
- Fear or Anxiety: Sudden frights, new environments, or unfamiliar objects can trigger a fear response in horses, leading to rearing as a flight reaction.
- Learned Behavior: Some horses learn that rearing can get them out of work or allow them to avoid situations they find unpleasant. If this behavior is inadvertently reinforced, it can become a habitual response.
- Excess Energy: Horses with pent-up energy due to lack of exercise or an inappropriate diet high in sugars and starches may exhibit rearing as a way to release that energy.
- Hormonal Influences: Stallions and mares in heat may be more prone to rearing as part of their natural mating behaviors or due to hormonal fluctuations.
By identifying the underlying cause of rearing in a particular horse, owners, and trainers can tailor their approach to addressing the behavior more effectively.
It’s important to note that rearing can often be a combination of factors, and a thorough assessment of the horse’s physical health, mental state, and environmental conditions is essential for developing an appropriate intervention strategy.
Safety Precautions When Dealing With Rearing
When working with a horse that tends to rear, safety should be the top priority. The following precautions can help minimize risks to both horse and handler:
- Wear Proper Safety Gear: Always wear an approved riding helmet when mounted. Consider using a body protector for additional safety, especially when working with a horse known to rear.
- Use Appropriate Tack: Ensure all equipment fits properly and is in good condition. A running martingale can help prevent the horse from raising its head too high, but should only be used by experienced handlers.
- Never Tie a Horse That Rears: A tied horse that rears can easily injure itself or break equipment. Instead, use cross-ties or have someone hold the horse during grooming and tacking up.
- Practice Emergency Dismounts: Regularly practice quickly and safely dismounting from your horse. This skill can be crucial if you need to exit a rearing situation quickly.
- Work in a Safe Environment: When addressing rearing behavior, work in an enclosed area with good footing. Avoid working near fences or walls where a rearing horse could become trapped or injured.
- Use a Longeline for Initial Training: Begin groundwork and retraining exercises using a longeline to maintain a safe distance from the horse.
- Never Pull Back on the Reins: When a horse begins to rear, pulling back on the reins can cause the horse to lose balance and potentially fall backward. Instead, give the horse its head and encourage forward movement.
- Have an Experienced Spotter: When working with a horse prone to rearing, have an experienced horse person present to assist and provide an extra set of eyes.
- Keep Children and Inexperienced Handlers Away: Only allow experienced handlers to work with a horse that has a history of rearing.
- Be Prepared to Release the Horse: If you’re leading a horse that begins to rear, be prepared to quickly release the lead rope to avoid being pulled off your feet or struck.
- Maintain Physical Fitness: Remaining physically fit can help you, as a handler or rider, respond more swiftly and keep your balance in unexpected circumstances.
- Use Caution When Mounting: Be particularly vigilant when mounting, as this is a common time for horses to rear. Consider having someone hold the horse while you mount it.
- Know Your Limits: Be honest about your skill level and experience. If you’re not confident in your ability to handle a horse that rears, seek professional help.
- Have an Emergency Plan: Develop and practice an emergency plan for various scenarios involving rearing. This should include steps for getting help, controlling the situation, and addressing any injuries.
By implementing these safety measures, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with handling a horse prone to rearing.
However, it’s important to remember that even with precautions in place, working with horses always carries inherent risks.
Training Techniques to Prevent Rearing
Preventing rearing behavior is far more effective than trying to correct it once it becomes established. Here are some proven training techniques to help prevent rearing:
1. Establish Clear Communication
Develop a consistent system of cues and rewards to ensure your horse understands what you’re asking. Clear communication reduces frustration and confusion, which can lead to rearing.
- Use voice commands alongside physical cues
- Reward correct responses immediately with praise or treats
- Be patient and consistent in your expectations
2. Ground Work Basics
Solid groundwork forms the foundation for all future training and can help prevent rearing issues.
- Practice leading exercises to establish respect and responsiveness
- Use lunging to improve obedience and release excess energy
- Incorporate desensitization exercises to build confidence
3. Gradual Exposure to New Stimuli
Introduce new experiences, objects, and environments slowly to prevent fear-based rearing.
- Use systematic desensitization techniques
- Start with less challenging stimuli and gradually increase difficulty
- Always allow the horse an “escape route” to prevent feeling trapped
4. Develop Suppleness and Flexibility
A supple, flexible horse is less likely to brace and rear.
- Incorporate lateral work into your training routine
- Practice transitions between gaits to improve responsiveness
- Use circle work to encourage bending and softness
5. Address Physical Discomfort
Make sure to often examine and treat any physical sources of pain or discomfort.
- Schedule routine veterinary and dental check-ups
- Ensure proper saddle fit and adjust as needed
- Address any lameness or muscular issues promptly
6. Promote Mental Stimulation
Horses who are bored are more prone to experience behavioral problems, such as rearing.
- Change up your workout routines to make the sessions engaging.
- Incorporate obstacle work or trail riding for mental engagement
- Consider using puzzle feeders to stimulate the mind during downtime
7. Build Trust and Partnership
A strong, positive relationship between horse and handler can prevent many behavioral issues.
- After training, spend quality time with your horse.
- Be consistent and fair in your expectations and corrections
8. Improve Rider/Handler Skills
Often, rearing can be prevented by improving the skills of the person working with the horse.
- Take regular lessons to refine your riding and handling techniques
- Recognize and react to even the smallest indications of discomfort or resistance.
- Practice maintaining a balanced, independent seat
9. Use Positive Reinforcement
Training that is based on rewards may be quite successful in stopping undesirable behaviors like rearing.
- Use clicker training or other marker signals to pinpoint desired behaviors
- Gradually phase out food rewards in favor of praise or scratches
- Never reward or inadvertently reinforce rearing behavior
10. Seek Professional Help
Do not be afraid to ask a professional trainer for assistance if you are doubtful of your capacity to stop rearing or identify the early indicators of this behavior.
- Choose a trainer experienced in dealing with rearing issues
- Be open to adjusting your training approach based on expert advice
- Consider sending the horse for professional training if needed
By implementing these training techniques, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of rearing behavior developing.
How to Respond When a Horse Rears
Handling a rearing horse requires quick thinking and calm action. When faced with this dangerous situation, stay composed and immediately release any pressure on the horse.
Encourage forward movement to bring the horse’s feet back to the ground, and try to redirect its focus by turning it in a circle or presenting a new task.
If mounted, maintain your position by leaning forward and gripping with your lower legs, but be prepared to dismount if necessary.
After the incident, assess the situation for injuries and potential triggers. Reestablish control by ending on a positive note with a simple command.
If rearing becomes recurring, seek professional help and consider a veterinary check-up. Document incidents to identify patterns and inform prevention strategies.
Regular practice of emergency responses can help build muscle memory for these situations.
Remember that each rearing episode is unique, and your response should be tailored accordingly.
The primary goals are to ensure safety, remain calm, and work towards preventing future occurrences through understanding and addressing the underlying causes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, effectively handling a rearing horse requires a combination of preparedness, quick thinking, and calm action.
By following these guidelines and addressing the root causes of rearing behavior, handlers and riders can greatly improve their ability to manage these dangerous situations.
The ultimate goal is to ensure the safety of both horse and human while preventing future rearing incidents through proper training, management, and trust-building between horse and handler.
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