Stress is a significant concern for horses, as it influences countless aspects of their health and well-being. So, this week, I invited Glenn Stewart to join me to dive into the emotional health of horses. 

Glenn works with wild horses. I have been following his travels across the globe for several years, doing clinics and working with horses and humans. He has been an invaluable resource in my quest to understand more about equine behavior and health within a natural environment. 

Glenn is one of the premier horsemen in the world with four decades of experience, having worked with thousands of horses and 38 different breeds. He runs annual High & Wild camps at his ranch in Fort St. John, British Columbia, where he leads groups into the mountains to work with horses that have had very few interactions with humans. 

Glenn has won many competitions, including the Cold Starting competition at the Horse Expo in Red Deer, Alberta. He became the 2021 champion at Road to the Horse in Alberta, Canada, and clinched the world championship title at the 2022 Road to the Horse in Lexington, Kentucky. 

Join us as Glenn draws from his expertise and vast experience to explore the intricate relationship between stress and equine health.

Understanding Stress in Horses

Even though stress in horses is not inherently harmful, excessive stress may harm them. Discomfort is necessary for growth in both humans and horses. Glenn notes that horses, being prey animals, find many things stressful, and the goal should be to build their confidence rather than shield them from all stress.

Importance of Balance

It is essential to find balance when working with horses. Protecting horses from all discomfort is as damaging as exposing them to constant stress. The key is to expose them to stress in a controlled, step-by-step manner to help them become calmer and more confident.

Long-term Stress and Horse Behavior

Some may try to avoid putting their horses in stressful situations, believing it will keep them calm. Glenn counters this by explaining that long-term stress from constantly being protected can make horses more fearful. He believes that with proper training, any horse can build confidence and become calmer, regardless of their initial temperament.

Keeping Horses Out of Self-Preservation Mode

Glenn explains the importance of preventing horses from entering self-preservation mode, which occurs when they feel overly pressured and see no way out. Proper training involves showing horses that there is an answer to the pressure they face, encouraging them to think and remain calm.

Mental and Emotional Development

Glenn stresses the importance of mental and emotional development over physical fitness in horse training. He believes in building mental and emotional resilience in horses to prevent them from reacting adversely under stress.

Misconceptions about Fast Training

Glenn addresses the misconception that quick training is harmful. He argues that fast training can be beneficial and less stressful for the horse if done correctly. Prolonged confusion and slow training can lead to more stress and anxiety for the horse.

Trust between Humans and Horses

Trust gets built through consistent, clear communication and handling. Horses need to know what humans expect of them and see their human owner as a reliable leader. Glenn emphasizes the importance of developing yourself before trying to train your horse.

Training Approach in Competitions

Glenn often waits to saddle or ride the horse in competitions, focusing instead on building trust. He explains that the goal is to get enough positive responses from the horse before proceeding to ensure the horse is mentally and emotionally prepared.

Mental and Emotional Development

Glenn reiterates the importance of mental and emotional development over physical fitness in horse training. He feels it is essential to develop the resilience of horses, as it prevents them from reacting adversely under stress.

Human Factors in Horse Stress

Humans are often a significant source of stress for horses. Glenn believes it is the responsibility of horse owners to work on their skills to reduce the stress they cause their horses. Building a relationship based on trust and respect is essential for horses.

Gaining Unexpected Benefits from Horsemanship

Participants in horsemanship clinics often receive unexpected benefits. Initially, the attendees arrive with specific goals for their horses, like loading or saddling. However, by engaging in the process, they gain a wide range of skills and improvements for themselves and their horses.

Building Mental and Emotional Fitness

Emphasizing the importance of building the mental and emotional fitness of both the horse and the owner, Glenn adds that one cannot expect more from their horse than they expect from themselves. Mutual development is the key to successful horsemanship.

Communicating Differently with Horses

Elisha shares a story about how her horse initially ran away from her, but over time, through improved communication and understanding, her horse now comes running to her. Glenn highlights that changing how we communicate with horses can lead to significant positive changes.

The Importance of Perspective and Attitude

Perspective and attitude play crucial roles in horsemanship. Glenn emphasizes that although the techniques are important, the right mindset and approach are equally essential for aligning with the horse to achieve better results.

Impact of Human Emotions on Horses

Human emotions directly influence how horses behave. Horses are sensitive to human feelings, timing, and even smells. Glenn stresses the importance of maintaining mental and emotional fitness to avoid negatively impacting the horse.

Handling and Training Approaches

Glenn discusses different handling approaches, explaining how some methods, like petting or feeding, might not work for training. He points out that meaningful interaction and proper training are more beneficial than being kind without structure.

Responsibility of Horse Owners

Glenn asserts that horse owners must educate themselves and develop the necessary skills to address the anxieties and stressors of their horses. That involves continuous learning and improvement to ensure the well-being of their horses.

Final Thoughts

Glenn encourages horse owners to keep improving their communication skills with horses, emphasizing the endless potential for growth and development in horsemanship. He invites people to explore all the available learning opportunities to better connect with and train their horses.

Links and resources:

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