Our horses are stoic creatures. They will function through discomfort because they don’t feel they have a way out. This is called Learned Helplessness.
The discomfort can come from handler, rider, tack, feet, body issues, etc. The horse will shut down and do the work just to get through. We then acted surprised when they blow up or have behavior issues.
Pay attention to the small indicators. Tension, fascial expression, body language, evasions, spooking, worry, refusing to engage or perform, etc. This learned helplessness will eventually turn from mental lameness to physical lameness.
Wisdom Wednesday
Want to read more?
Subscribe to tntfarmsqtrhorses.com to keep reading this exclusive post.