Supporting your horse is not spoiling your horse

Horses don’t always receive the emotional support they need.

My fifty years around horses have taught me that they experience many of the same emotions, fears, and insecurities that we do—often to a greater extent, as they are prey animals. Ensuring my horses feel supported through any challenges they face has always been a priority for me.

Take my Thoroughbred mare, Jazz, for instance, who is now retired. Jazz is intelligent and sassy, and she knows very well that when I take her out of the field during the day, it usually means a visit from the vet, farrier, or dentist.

To support her, I take her friend Rosie out first, settling her in her stable with some haylage. Then I return for Jazz, who is easy to catch but not so keen to move toward the gate. She will plant her feet, and if pressured too much, she will pin her ears and try to rush off. Anticipating this, I come prepared with sliced carrots in my pocket. Every few steps, I reward her with a slice, which keeps her co-operative—no pinned ears, no frustration. Once through the gate, she concedes sweetly and walks the short distance to the stables.

She greets Rosie with a huge neigh and receives a neigh in return. Even so, she doesn’t settle immediately. She starts weaving and showing signs of stress. She is absolutely fine being stabled overnight. Her anxiety now is because she knows that something is about to happen. But what?

 So I step into her stable and offer her a little Reiki, which helps her relax enough to enable her to start eating her hay. But the moment I try to leave, she begins neighing and calling me back. So, I stay with her until the farrier, vet, or dentist arrives. This reassurance helps her remain calm and totally on board with everything that is asked of her. My farrier even remarks that she tries too hard to be co-operative and won’t always indicate if she’s uncomfortable.

Some might say I am spoiling my horse and should leave her to cope on her own. But this is where many people misunderstand horses—failing to see the world through their eyes. They are not machines; they are living, sentient beings who rely on us for security and trust.

It is this very support that allowed Jazz to be a dependable ridden horse, willing to go anywhere and do anything. Horses need us to help them feel safe and secure. This isn’t spoiling—it’s caring.

Have you ever been told you’re spoiling your horse when you were just supporting them? I’d love to hear your thoughts!