That flash of movement, the explosive energy, the feeling that your horse is ready to leap out of his own skin—if this sounds familiar, you might just have a Right Brain Extrovert. This isn’t a bad horse; in fact, he’s a sensitive, athletic partner waiting to be understood. Knowing How To Train A Right Brain Extrovert Horse is less about control and more about connection. It’s about shifting your perspective from seeing a disobedient animal to recognizing a horse that is acting out of a deep-seated need for safety. At “Equine Excellence,” we believe that understanding your horse’s unique personality is the key to unlocking a truly exceptional partnership.
Right Brain Extrovert (RBE) horses process the world through their feelings and instincts first. They are highly sensitive, can be spooky, and often feel claustrophobic or trapped, which triggers their flight response. Their motto is “run first, think later.” This can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can transform this reactive, fearful horse into a confident and trusting companion.
Understanding the Right Brain Extrovert Horse
Before you can change your training, you must first understand the mind of the RBE horse. These horses are not trying to be difficult; they are genuinely afraid and lack confidence in themselves and their environment. Their behavior is a call for leadership and reassurance.
Key Characteristics of an RBE Horse:
- Highly Reactive: They spook easily and react quickly to perceived threats.
- Fast-Moving: They need to move their feet when they feel anxious. Standing still can be incredibly difficult for them.
- Claustrophobic: They panic when they feel trapped, whether by physical barriers or constant pressure.
- Sensitive: They are very attuned to your energy and emotions. A nervous rider will only confirm their fears.
- Lack of Focus: Their fear prevents them from concentrating on a task for very long.
The primary goal when working with an RBE is to make them feel safe. As renowned equine behaviorist Dr. Sarah Miller states, “For the Right Brain Extrovert, safety is the ultimate currency. Until you can prove to him that you are his safe place, no amount of technical training will stick. You must become his leader, his port in the storm.”
Core Principles for Training Your RBE Horse
Forget traditional methods that rely on force or desensitization through flooding. For an RBE, these approaches only confirm that the world is a scary place. Instead, your training philosophy should be built on a foundation of trust and understanding.
1. You Must Be a Calm and Confident Leader
Your horse will feed off your energy. If you are tense, anxious, or frustrated, you will amplify his fear. Take deep breaths, keep your body language soft and relaxed, and project an aura of calm confidence. You must be the steady leader your horse desperately needs.
2. Prioritize Safety Over Obedience
The Right Brain Extrovert’s primary need is safety. Never push him past his threshold. Your job is to build his confidence by proving you won’t put him in a situation he can’t handle. This means recognizing the subtle signs of anxiety—a flick of the ear, a tensing of the jaw—and retreating before he feels the need to explode.
3. Use Retreat and Repetition
The concept of “approach and retreat” is your most valuable tool. Approach the scary object or perform the difficult task until you see the slightest sign of concern, and then immediately retreat back to a comfortable place. This teaches the horse that you respect his feelings and that he has some control over the situation. Repeat this process, gradually getting closer or asking for more, until he remains calm and confident.
4. Give His Feet a Purpose
An RBE needs to move, so give that movement a job. Instead of trying to force him to stand still, redirect his energy into a simple, repetitive pattern. This engages his thinking brain and replaces his fear with focus.
How to Train a Right Brain Extrovert Horse: Key Exercises
Simple, repetitive patterns are the key to calming the RBE’s mind. These exercises should not be drilled relentlessly but used as tools to help your horse find focus and relaxation. The goal is rhythm and consistency.
1. The Circling Game (One Rein)
This is not mindless lunging. Using a single rein (preferably on a halter and long line to start), ask your horse to move in a circle around you.
- Focus on Rhythm: Keep your energy calm and consistent. Ask for a steady walk or trot.
- Frequent Disengagement: Every few circles, ask your horse to turn and face you, stopping his forward momentum. This is a “disengagement,” and it acts as a mental reset button. It teaches him to yield to pressure and look to you for the next instruction.
- Look for Relaxation: As you play this game, watch for signs of relaxation: a lowered head, licking and chewing, a soft eye. When you see these, reward him with a moment of rest.
2. Figure Eights
This exercise is excellent for developing focus and suppleness. It requires the horse to constantly change direction, which keeps his mind engaged.
- Set up Cones: Place two cones or markers about 20-30 feet apart.
- Smooth and Steady: Ride or lead your horse in a figure-eight pattern around the cones. Focus on smooth, bending turns.
- Maintain Rhythm: Don’t worry about speed. The goal is to maintain a consistent, rhythmic pace. This predictable pattern is very soothing for an anxious horse.
3. Serpentines
A serpentine is simply a series of half-circles connected by a straight line. This is another fantastic pattern for encouraging a horse to relax and focus.
- Use the Whole Arena: Start by making large, sweeping serpentines down the length of your riding area.
- Be Patient: If your horse gets nervous or rushes, gently bring him back to a walk and make the loops bigger and slower. The goal is to complete the pattern while staying calm.
- Transitions: As he becomes more confident, you can add transitions (walk to trot, trot to walk) at the center of each loop to further engage his brain.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Training a Right Brain Extrovert horse is as much about what you don’t do as what you do.
- Don’t Trap Him: Avoid cornering him or using restrictive equipment that makes him feel claustrophobic. This will trigger panic.
- Don’t Punish Fear: Never reprimand a horse for spooking. He is not misbehaving; he is terrified. Punishing him will only destroy his trust in you.
- Don’t Drill: RBEs get bored and confused by endless, mindless repetition. Keep sessions short and focused on building confidence. Once he “gets” it, move on.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can I tell if my horse is a Right Brain Extrovert?
Look for a horse that is generally fast, spooky, tense, and seems to run before thinking. They often have trouble standing still and may react strongly to new or surprising stimuli.
Can a Right Brain Extrovert horse ever become a calm, reliable partner?
Absolutely. With consistent, confidence-building training, these horses can become incredibly loyal and brave partners. Their sensitivity becomes a superpower, making them highly attuned to their rider once they learn to trust you.
How long does it take to train this type of horse?
Every horse is an individual, but the key is consistency, not speed. It may take several months of dedicated, patient work to build a solid foundation of trust. The focus should be on progress, not a timeline.
What if my horse gets scared during an exercise?
Retreat immediately. Go back to something he is comfortable with, like simply walking or disengaging. End the session on a positive note, even if it’s just standing calmly and getting a good scratch. The goal is to always leave him feeling safe.
Is it better to work in a round pen or an open arena?
While a round pen can be a useful tool, for a claustrophobic RBE, an open arena is often better. It gives him room to move and prevents him from feeling trapped, which is a major trigger for his anxiety.
Your Partner for the Future
Learning how to train a Right Brain Extrovert horse is a journey that will test your patience and horsemanship, but the rewards are immeasurable. By providing safety, leadership, and understanding, you are not just training a horse; you are building an unbreakable bond. You are transforming a fearful, reactive animal into a confident, trusting partner who will give you his heart. Embracing this process will not only change your horse for the better—it will make you a better horseman.
