A visitor to the website wrote to me with this comment and question:

I just want to say that an hour ago i was completly overwhelmed with my
horse buddy. Your words have given me hope. I have so many questions.
First, what would cause a horse that had trust and respect for the
rider (me) to lose it (the trust) overnight when nothing of note happened?

She had been attacked by a dog in my presence (long story) six weeks ago, but once i got the damn dog out and calmed her down, she went back to her usual ways. Is it possible to have some sort of neg. connection that long after the instance? I have never caused any type of harm to her other than not being able to stop the dog. She had a heat last week i thought maybe that was it... please help, a rookie.

Here was my response:
I think I understood you to write that your dog attacked your horse about 6 weeks ago? And since this attack, your horse has had difficulty trusting you?

First, let me say how sorry I am to hear this. I hope your horse wasn't injured too badly. I also hope you are able to find forgiveness for the dog owner's lack of control over her dog. Although you can't control other people, and their lack of control over their pets . . . you do have the ability to control the future destiny, by creating boundaries about who, what, and when people and pets are around your horse.

Trust and respect depends on leadership. In any human-horse relationship, someone has to be in charge; and it can NEVER be the horse. Horses guard their safety and security, which is why they exist in herds. The herd provides safety and security by offering the other members of the herd "early warning" of hazards. This early warning allows the herd to decide when to run, and when to stand and fight.

When a human asks a horse to go away from the herd; the horse expects the human to take over the task of providing safety and security. It's a huge responsibility. When you take on this responsibility, it means that you will protect that horse at all cost. This means that you think about your own safety too, because you can't protect your horse when you fall off your horse, or you get scared.

At the first sign of trouble, you have the ability to make a decision that your horse does not. You can dismount and handle the situation from the ground where you and your horse are safer; you can turn around and go the other way; you can put your horse into a stall or a paddock where a dog or pesky child can't get to him; etc.

Even when I'm riding in the company of other horses, I make certain that my horse and his safety is covered at all costs. I don't make a big deal out of people who don't have control of their horse, or who have poor trail riding manners . . . I let them know that my horse is getting worried, and "I'm just going to ride ahead, or go back". I usually never make myself available again to ride with them. It doesn't need to be insulting or aggravating - My credo is to treat my horse like he is my partner, my dearest friend, and the one who will save my life someday.

I'm a pretty easy-going person, and rarely do I get angry - but if it came to my horse, my pets, my family, or my true friends . . . I would turn into a pit bull in a split second to protect them. I have no patience for stupid people/parents/pet owners & their kids or dogs.

As for re-gaining the trust of your horse . . . it's going to take time and a lot of repeating old lessons. You will have to convince him that you will never let anything harm him again, and that you are a leader that he can count on.

I hope all is well. Take care & thanks for contacting me. Let me know how I can help.
Lisa
www.EquineConnections.net

Here is some general tips on dogs and horses:
1) Dogs & horses are a BAD combination. Some dogs like to chase horses; and, some horses like to chase dogs. The outcome is never good.
2) If you are out riding and you see a dog on the trail - stop and see if the dog is going to come after you. If the dog doesn't seem interested, then turn around and leave. There is no need to invite trouble.

If the dog or dogs, start to come at you; "kick it up a notch", and reverse the chase. Most dogs will gladly back-down when a horse is coming at them at high-speed. If you ride in a group regularly; you might want to practice charging at pesky predator with the rest of the group by teaching your horse to chase things like balls, cars, & trucks.