The Worst Habits Horses Develop—And How to Fix Them

Setting Boundaries Matters for Both You and Your Horse

Whether you’re new to horses or have been in the saddle for years, you know that a well-mannered horse makes life easier and safer for everyone. Yet, even the most devoted owners sometimes let their horses pick up less-than-ideal habits. Often, these behaviours are brushed off as harmless quirks or momentary lapses—after all, isn’t a little nipping just playful? Today, let’s dig into why these habits aren’t as innocent as they seem, how you can help your horse overcome them, and why it’s so important to rethink what we allow.

Common Bad Habits: What Are We Letting Slip?

• Nipping and Biting: At first, it might be easy to dismiss a gentle nip as playful or affectionate. Some owners even find it endearing when their horse mouths sleeves or pockets. However, this behaviour can quickly escalate and lead to serious injuries.

• Pushing or Crowding: A horse that crowds you might just seem friendly or eager for attention, but it’s actually testing boundaries. Left unchecked, this can lead to dangerous situations where a person is knocked over or trapped.

• Kicking: Kicking is a serious behavior that can occur when a horse feels threatened or is trying to assert dominance. It's crucial to be aware of a horse's body language and to maintain a safe distance, especially when approaching from behind. Proper training and awareness can help prevent injuries.

  • Generally, there are precursor behaviour's in the horse before it escalates to a kick - learn the warning signs!

• Refusing to Lead: Some people excuse a sluggish or over-excited horse on the lead as a personality trait or temporary mood, but these actions signal a lack of respect and can become safety hazards.

• Pawing and Fidgeting: Horses that fidget or paw at the gate may seem merely impatient, but this restless behaviour can cause chaos, damage property, or result in injury.

• Food Aggression: Aggressive behaviour at feeding time is sometimes tolerated, especially when it’s seen as just being “overly enthusiastic.” In reality, it’s a sign of poor manners and can be dangerous.

Why People Think These Bad Habits Are Harmless

It’s understandable why many horse owners might overlook or even unintentionally encourage these behaviours. Sometimes, it’s because:

• They see it as playful: A nip or a nudge can feel like a sign of affection, and owners may enjoy the perceived bond.

• They want to avoid confrontation: Some worry that correcting a horse will harm their relationship or make the horse dislike them.

• They believe it’s just part of the horse’s personality: Owners might think certain quirks are harmless individual traits.

• Lack of awareness: Not everyone knows how quickly these small habits can escalate into real issues.

• Past experiences: If these habits haven’t caused problems before, it’s easy to believe they never will.

Why These Habits Are Harmful—and Why You Should Change Your Mindset

While it’s natural to want to see the best in your horse, letting bad habits slide is a risk not worth taking. Here’s why it’s time to change your thinking:

• Safety first: Even gentle nudges or playful nips can escalate into biting or pushing that causes serious injury.

• Unpredictable situations: In emergencies or unfamiliar environments, habits that seem harmless at home can become dangerous quickly.

• Long-term well-being: Consistent boundaries make horses feel safe and secure. Without them, horses can become anxious, confused, or even aggressive.

• Quality of partnership: A horse that respects boundaries is easier to handle, more enjoyable to be around, and safer for everyone involved.

Don’t wait until a small problem becomes a big one. Every time you excuse a bad habit, you reinforce it. Shifting your mindset from “it’s cute” to “it’s a safety issue” benefits both you and your horse in the long run.

Setting Boundaries: Practical Tips

• Be Consistent: Decide on your rules (e.g. no crowding, no nipping) and enforce them every single time, with every horse.

• Use Clear Cues: Horses thrive on clarity. Use your body language and voice to communicate exactly what’s expected.

• Don’t Reward Bad Behaviour: If your horse pushes for a treat or attention, wait for calm, respectful behaviour before responding.

• Seek Help if Needed: If you’re unsure or feel unsafe, reach out to a knowledgeable instructor or trainer for support.

• Timing is everything: be prompt in correcting the not-so-great behaviour's. If you wait too long you may unintentionally reinforce the bad behaviour. If 3 seconds passes, you have missed the window. Be prompt and consistent with your reinforcement.

I have an up-coming post on how to handle "treat monsters" and the better way to train your horse's response to treats! Watch this space - I will link it in here once it is live on the website!

Recommended Exercises to Tackle Bad Habits

• Personal Space Drill: Using a lead, ask your horse to back up out of your space, then reward. Repeat until they reliably respect your boundaries.

• Leading Practice: Walk your horse at different speeds, stopping and starting at random intervals. Reward attentive, calm behaviour. Need further information, see my post on "Leading More Than One Horse"

  • Watch this space for another post specifically on handling leading issues!

• Stand Still Training: Ask your horse to stand quietly for short periods, gradually increasing the time. Reward with scratches or gentle words—not always food.

• Desensitisation: For food aggression, practice approaching with feed and only offer it when your horse is calm and respectful. If they act out, withdraw and try again.

De-escalation Techniques

Employing de-escalation techniques can be beneficial in managing bad habits in horses. These techniques help to calm the situation and prevent escalation of bad behaviour.

General De-escalation Exercises for Bad Behavior

• Calm Approach: Approach the horse slowly and quietly, using a soothing tone to create a peaceful environment.

• Structured Environment: Establish a structured setting that minimises chaos and distractions, helping to reduce anxiety and agitation.

• Positive Reinforcement: Acknowledge and reward positive behavior with praise or small incentives (aka treats), reinforcing the notion that calm behavior leads to favorable outcomes.

• Personal Space Management: Ensure that the horse has adequate personal space to alleviate feelings of threat or pressure.

• Gradual Exposure: Gradually introduce new experiences or challenges, allowing the individual to acclimate while reinforcing calm responses.

• Use the 1-2-3 method, for groundwork: utilising this methodology will train long-term self-management habits from your horse and should be carried out of 1-3 seconds (if done too slowly, you miss your window for de-escalation which can lead to safety issues)

  • 1, ask with your softest aid/cue (i.e. voice)

  • 2, if 1 doesn't work, use a rope, or soft whip aid

  • 3, if 2 doesn't work, use a quick but large flag or slap your leg noise to really get the horse's attention

• Use the 1-2-3 method, for ridden/under saddle: as per the previous dot point, it should be carried out of 1-3 seconds (if done too slowly, you miss your window for de-escalation which can lead to safety issues)

  • 1, ask with your softest aid/cue (i.e. voice/seat)

  • 2, if 1 doesn't work, use the smallest rein/leg aid/cue

  • 3, if 2 doesn't work, use a larger bump with your leg or hold a little longer on the rein (ensure you release when you get a response though!)

Encouragement to Change: Why Now Is the Time

While it’s easy to let small things slide—especially when your horse seems sweet or harmless—setting clear, gentle boundaries is an act of care, not cruelty. Safe, respectful horses are a pleasure to be around, and clear boundaries help your horse feel secure in your partnership. Remember, you’re not just their friend—you’re their leader. By nipping bad habits in the bud, you’re creating a happier, safer environment for both of you and other people that are around your horse (like service personnel - think vets/farriers, other horses and their owner's/handlers out and about).

Your farrier, vet, bodyworker, groom, horse dentist and anyone who regularly visits your horse, will thank you! By ensuring your horse is well-behaved, you avoid being placed on the "naughty horse" list, which can limit the willingness of professionals to assist in times of need. This ultimately affects your horse's welfare and your duty of care.

Conclusion: Step Up for Your Horse’s Sake

Ultimately, your influence is crucial in shaping your horse's behaviour when you're together. By establishing and maintaining healthy, respectful, and safe practices, you make it easier for your horse to interact positively with others (both horses and humans alike). Remember, horses have the ability to cause significant injury or even death without established boundaries. All horse owners want the best for their animals. By recognising and addressing bad habits early, shifting your mindset about what’s acceptable, and practising simple exercises, you’re investing in a safer, more enjoyable relationship. Next time you’re tempted to excuse a bad habit, consider the bigger picture. Kind and consistent guidance today will pay off in a lifetime of trust, respect, and safety. Happy riding!