Behavior

Is your mare perfect one day and a demon the next? If so, you’re not alone. Learn steps that you can take to help manage your mare’s moods.

Equine aggression in a ridden horse should never be ignored. Learn the causes plus some fixes you can apply from the saddle.

Learn what we really know about headshaking, a complex, confusing, and often frustrating condition.

Perhaps you play with your horse and no harm has come from it—yet. You should realize, however, that playing with horses can lead to trouble. Here’s why.

Wish your hot horse were more level-headed? Here are drug-free strategies to help him be as happy and mellow as possible.

Has everyone—trainers, farriers, friends— ‘diagnosed’ your grumpy horse with gastric ulcers? You should probably ask your vet for the truth about equine gastric ulcer syndrome.

Balky horses have reasons for their behavior. Here’s how to recognize root causes and overcome the different varieties of balkiness.

A mare turned suddenly aggressive toward humans may need systematic retraining.

Certain kinds of behavior are clear signals from your horse. Here’s what they mean, and what to do in response.

End head-shaking on the trail—and at home—with advice from clinician Steve Stevens.

An owner seeks answers about her gelding’s puzzling behavior.

An owner wonders if her mare’s grouchy attitude poses a threat to a future foal.

A gelding’s sudden attack on a longtime barnmate may be symptomatic of failing health in one horse.

Horses buck for various reasons. Here are solutions to help fix the problem, whatever the cause.

How does your horse see the world? Take a ride with us and gain a little insight—from your horse’s perspective.

What does it mean when a horse engages in self-mutilation, and what can be done about it?

A mare pins her ears at other horses; her rider asks why she does this and how to correct it.

Expand your bag of “good-boy!” tricks and watch your horse’s performance—and his attitude—improve.

Trust is key with timid horses; bold ones need to develop more respect.

An expert recommends removing the frustration that may be at the root of this oral behavior.

How horses help heal troubled minds in equine-facilitated psychotherapy.

Combining science and spirituality, Dr. Allan Hamilton, author of Zen Mind, Zen Horse, offers tips for strengthening your bond with your horse and becoming a more effective horseman.