The process of taming a wild horse can often be approached with force, but this method overlooks a crucial element: trust. Without genuine trust, a horse may harbor underlying suspicion, potentially leading to dangerous situations for both the human and the animal. Horses, when frightened, tend to conceal their fear under pressure, appearing tame but lacking true reliability. This can leave them traumatized, even when they seem bonded with their handlers. A more effective and humane method involves developing a connection in an open environment, where the horse feels secure and not cornered. While tools like round pens can be useful, they are counterproductive when a horse is experiencing fear or trauma. Meeting a horse in a spacious setting allows for a more natural and honest communication, fostering a relationship based on mutual understanding and respect rather than coercion. This approach prioritizes the horse’s emotional well-being, mirroring the harmonious social structures they are familiar with in the wild.
Establishing Trust with Traumatized Horses: A Case Study
A compelling example of this approach in practice occurred at Return to Freedom, a Wild Horse Sanctuary in Lompoc, CA. The sanctuary requested assistance in taming and adjusting a stallion and his four mares who had recently arrived after being rounded up from public lands. These horses, particularly the stallion, were deeply terrified. The stallion, usually brave in his natural habitat, was so fearful that he hid behind his mares, who instinctively formed a protective barrier. The immediate concern was to address their human-induced trauma before they were released into the sanctuary’s free-range environment. If left unaddressed, this trauma could persist, complicating future necessary care like veterinary treatments and hoof management.
The “Sharing Territory” Method
The intervention began with a technique called “Sharing Territory.” This involves gradually occupying the same space as the horses, starting at a distance where the human presence does not trigger their fear. For horses that are more fear-aggressive, this initial phase might even occur with a fence acting as a buffer, reducing the intensity of interaction. For the horses at Return to Freedom, the process started within their quarter-acre holding pen. The human sat quietly, maintaining a low-energy presence and avoiding direct attention, allowing the horses to acclimate to their proximity. This initial phase, occupying the space for a couple of hours a day over two days, saw the mares gradually becoming less concerned, while the stallion remained deeply fearful, still seeking refuge behind his companions.
Mirroring, Matching, and Building Tolerance
On the third day, interaction commenced. While the horses remained on edge, they were able to tolerate the slow, deliberate movements. The technique of mirroring and matching their movements was employed, carefully avoiding matching their fear. This involved moving with them when they could handle the human’s influence and retreating to allow them to relax, thereby reducing pressure. This constant dance of advancing and retreating, guided by the horse’s comfort level, was crucial in building their tolerance of the human’s presence in their personal space. The stallion, however, continued his pattern of circling the mares and maintaining distance.
Gradual Integration and Permission
After approximately 15 minutes of mirroring and matching, a break was taken, allowing the horses time to process the human’s behavior. This cycle of interaction and pause was repeated. The mares began to relax, demonstrating this by allowing the human to move around the pen without agitation, as long as a respectful distance was maintained. The stallion, still hiding, was the focus. The herd was then gently moved around the pen in small increments, with frequent breaks. After four such cycles, the mares were completely relaxed. The duration of the breaks was gradually shortened, and the horses’ increasing confidence indicated that the human was perceived as no threat. The stallion’s mares were now more secure, and their movement was primarily dictated by the human’s gentle requests. The stallion no longer had his mares actively shielding him.
Breakthrough and Companion Walking
The ability to stand directly in front of the stallion, without him immediately fleeing in terror, marked a significant breakthrough. This was followed by an immediate withdrawal, allowing him to process this new experience. The pauses between interactions were shortened. A pivotal moment occurred when the stallion, standing about 40 feet away, was bitten on the leg by an unseen insect and stomped his foot. Seizing this opportunity, the human acted as if this was a threat and quickly exited the pen. This action, in a way, affirmed the stallion’s perceived control and responsiveness. After an hour-long absence, allowing him to process, the human re-entered the paddock. This time, when the mares were moved, the stallion moved with them, no longer hiding. This marked a crucial shift, as wild horses naturally protect their personal space and move away when herded. The distance and duration of herding were increased, and the stallion consistently followed his mares. Eventually, he even turned to face the human, who then walked away, reinforcing the trust in his ability to communicate his needs. Within two weeks, the previously traumatized band of wild horses had developed a trusting bond, and “Companion Walking” became as natural to them as if the human were another horse.
The Essence of Gentle Horsemanship
This slow, compassionate approach is far more effective than forceful methods, which often inflict unnecessary trauma. The goal is to achieve an honest, real, and dependable connection with the horse, prioritizing their well-being. The fastest way to tame a wild horse is to invest time and follow one’s heart. True horsemanship involves keeping the horse comfortable, relying on gut instincts, and avoiding force. Advanced horsemanship always offers a better alternative for the horse, ensuring they do not feel threatened.
May the spirit of the bond be with you.
Warmly,
Carolyn
P.S. – If you are interested in improving your horsemanship skills at liberty, consider booking a Free Coaching Call. The first 10 individuals to sign up and attend will be eligible for a FREE VIRTUAL COACHING SESSION, offering either a live virtual coaching experience or coaching via video.
