Pictures by Kelsey McNeal Photography
Equine Anxiety in stalls
When you go and get your horse, do you wait for them to invite you into their stall/paddock? Or do you just let yourself in, walk up to your horse, halter them and lead them away?
Rahma (in the pictures) used to be very insecure and sometimes even afraid of people coming into her stall. It made her feel trapped, unsure about what's happening and extremely nervous. She had learned that people ignored her wishes and that they would catch her anyway, no matter how hard she resisted or tried to run away. She kept telling us NO, but people just wouldn't listen. This of course not only worsened her behavior in her stall, but eventually lead to anxious and even explosive behavior in the round pen, arena, grooming spot or out on the trail. Rahma felt betrayed by us.
Rahma (in the pictures) used to be very insecure and sometimes even afraid of people coming into her stall. It made her feel trapped, unsure about what's happening and extremely nervous. She had learned that people ignored her wishes and that they would catch her anyway, no matter how hard she resisted or tried to run away. She kept telling us NO, but people just wouldn't listen. This of course not only worsened her behavior in her stall, but eventually lead to anxious and even explosive behavior in the round pen, arena, grooming spot or out on the trail. Rahma felt betrayed by us.
After just a few short (15 to 20 minutes) sessions to establish a new foundation of trust and me figuring out her stress levels, I was able to walk into her stall and pet her a few times before leaving her to her food and rest. I ditched an apple or carrot 🥕 into her feeding bucket every time before I left her stall, which she happily chewed on while enjoying her alone time - and releasing some tension by chewing! Doing just these simple things helped Rahma find her confidence and trust in people again. She no longer walks away from people entering her stall, but is curious and open about making a connection before being taken out of her stall.
It should be as important to us, as it is to a horse: Trust and Respect 🙏🏽
Love, Zoë
