Did you know that every moment you spend with your horse, you are teaching them something? Spending time with your horse is so much fun, and it’s hard not to spoil them! But safety is so important. Horses are ten times as big as we are, and they react five times as fast. Therefore, it is important that our horses respect our personal space. Watch this video where I outline the boundaries of what is and isn’t appropriate and how to establish your personal space bubble.
As you are working with your horse, imagine a personal space bubble around you that is two to three feet wide. You don’t want your horse coming into your space bubble and licking, biting, or stepping on you. If your horse doesn’t respect your personal space, it can be dangerous!
Of course, you can still go into your horse’s space and love on them, enjoy them, and have fun. The important thing is that your horse does not come into your space unless you invite them. This is especially important so that if and when your horse spooks, they don’t jump on top of you!
So, the next time you are with your horse, observe their behavior. Do they invade your space bubble? Do you back up when they step towards you? Every moment you spend with your horse, you are teaching them something!
Watch the video where I demonstrate how to establish your personal space bubble with your horse. Pay attention – do you notice how Jacques is behaving and how I am responding at the beginning of the video? Let me know if you do in the comments below, and I hope these tips help you with your horse!
P.S. Want to learn more about how groundwork can help you and your horse? My FREE Groundwork Webinar is this Sunday, November 12th at 12 Noon PT. Come LIVE or watch the recording afterward! Get the Details and RSVP HERE.
