Solving behaviour issues

There are some key steps to working with behaviour issues

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Establish a cause or at least rule out what isn’t the cause of behaviour!

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Pain

So many behaviour issues are caused by pain, discomfort and medical issues that ruling these out is always the first step. It is too easy to say, “I don’t think it's pain because he seems fine running about in the field” or “he is fine once I am on and we are riding out.”  Like us, horses have different tolerances to pain and show it differently. Pain can vary in intensity and come and go. Donkeys, in particular, are very stoic and don’t show pain like horses, so it is difficult to see when they are in pain unless you know what you are looking for.

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Before you do anything else, rule out pain and medical conditions. Veterinary examinations are a vital first step. In some cases, a chiropractor, physio, hoof trimming, dentist, and saddle/tack fitting might all be required to rule out pain. Removing pain can cure most behaviour issues. Working on behaviour while pain is still present can cause conflict, adverse reactions, and slow progress.

 

If it is not pain.

Then there is the environment. Stress, fear, anxiety, and frustration caused by the environment can be a root cause of behaviour issues. Equids need the freedom to move and express normal behaviour. Compatible, suitable companions and resource availability like food, water, and conflict over access to shelter can affect behaviour. Sometimes changes to the environment can solve an issue without having to do anything else, other times these changes form part of the solution.

 

History

Then we need to look at history, experience, training and handling, individual character, relationships with humans, human confidence, and the knowledge and abilities of handlers. Maybe it is a lack of experience in a certain area, or maybe it is fear or a lack of confidence.

The hypothesis of likely causes is essential to finding the best and most likely route to success.

 

The human element

It helps to be sure you have the skills, knowledge and confidence to work with the science of behaviour, to communicate effectively with good timing and in a way that makes it easy for your equine to understand you. If you know the cause of the behaviour, having the knowledge, trust and confidence to work effectively is the gateway to a successful solution.

 

The plan

Once you have found the cause, you need a clear action plan. Your plan might work on several elements at the same time. You need a plan based on scientific principles focusing on shaping the animal’s behaviour in small safe steps. That’s right, a shaping plan!

 

Don't go to the problem to solve the problem

I don’t believe in going to the problem to solve the problem. It is just too risky for most people to attempt.  I don’t take the horse to the trailer if it is a loading issue. I work on confidence, trust and leading first. If the issue is separation distress I don’t separate them, I focus on building trust, confidence, problem-solving and patience and only then a safe shaping plan for tiny separations starting with not leaving the field.  If you or your horse have lost your confidence out riding, I don’t want you to go out riding to solve the issue. Your safety and success are too valuable to take risks. We start in a safe, easy place and build towards success.

 

Can I help with behaviour issues? Yes, I can, but I don’t offer a quick fix.

 

We work together to create the solutions you need.  I believe, if I do all the work for you, we have just resolved this one issue. However, If I teach you how to think rather than what to think, you learn to solve any issue that ever comes up, and you just become better with equines.  

 

So, once you have established that pain is not the cause, you can start with a coaching call to discuss the challenges you’re facing. That call might be all you need.

If it is a single specific issue related to a lack of experience, bad experience, or lack of training, then shaping plans will give you direction and focus.

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If you are part of the solution, you will benefit from an online resource to help you work with behaviour, build your confidence or the six key principles of working with behaviour. Some of these courses contain relevant shaping plans, too, like the catching with confidence course, all you need to resolve catching issues.

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If the issue still isn’t improving, it might require a visit or a distance coaching package to give you support over time if that is what you feel you need.

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Depending on your situation, your experience and skill, your equine's character, the nature of the animal, the environment, and your plan, you may need just one or two of these steps to change your behaviour. You are unique, and so is your solution. 

 

I am always trying to help people with the most effective resources and solutions and always looking for ways to save you money. I don’t want you to pay for a home visit when a shaping plan is all you need.