Wild Horse vs. Domestic Horse-- Less Difference Than You Think

There's no difference in the training, and all horses should be trained. No horse wants to be treated harshly and aggressively, or laxly and indifferently. They do not respond well to anger or nonchalantly.   Like your kids, they will take over if you don't establish clear boundaries and limits. Take your time--horses don't like to be rushed. Remember, wild horses are, simply HORSES. In many ways they are just like any other horse.

There are some important differences, however.

Wild horses haven't been abused, spoiled or taught bad behaviors by you or anyone else.  Think pure when you hear wild.  Think empty canvas on which to paint the most beautiful image.  

Wild horses have a much stronger sense of self-survival than domestic horses, which must be understood in your training program. That's why it's so important to work at your horse's pace, and not yours.  Be sure that your horse understands exactly what you want before moving to the next step.   It's critical that Step 1 in any training  program is trust-building.  Once a mustang trusts you, you'll be their partner.  But until then, that sense of self-preservation will be one of your greater challenges. 

A horse who has spent time in a social setting is smarter, has a stronger sense of self, and is more "in the know"  than one who has grown up a in a stall. Horse society requires good manners, respect and the ability to get on with others.    Perhaps, most importantly, horses understand that there must be a leader in order for the community to work well.  It makes sense to become the good leader that inspires your mustang (or domestic for that matter). 

Wild horses, with their keen senses, read and understand their environment and the beings that move through it.  They have a profound ability to spot and understand body language, energy, movement and purpose.  Who you are is clear as day. Not so true from our side; we do not always read the horse well and that's when the trouble begins.

If you want the horse to trust you, be trustworthy!

All horses are naturally honest, and will give you true and genuine feedback. Calming and training your wild horse will make you a better trainer and handler of all equines.  And, perhaps, a better person too.

Once you have earned the horse's trust and loyalty, it is ready to be trained just like any domestic horse. And as with any horse

The better the trainer

The better the training

The better the horse.

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