Horses are big and strong animals, and the sheer size makes it challenging to handle them. Things can get even tougher if you have to deal with a stubborn animal. While the problem is big for owners, professional trainers also have to struggle with a rowdy horse. It may crib and refuse to move, which can frustrate you and make training feel like an ordeal. But training isn’t something you can miss out on, because you have to ensure that the animal learns life skills. Thankfully, a few simple measures can help you deal with the behavioral issues and make the animal docile. Here are some training tips you can rely on.

Understand the reason for the behavior

The first step to deal with the issue is to find the reason for the animal's stubbornness. It may behave a certain way due to anxiety, fear of the unknown, lack of faith in its rider, or mere laziness. Bonding with the trainer is equally vital as it ensures that the animal will listen to your commands and obey them. Reading its mind requires time and patience, but the effort is worthwhile.

Ensure that the horse is comfortable

If the horse is uncomfortable, there are good chances it will be angry and stubborn. The animal has no way to express discomfort, so you have to look out for cues. Ensure that the saddle is fitted properly and does not pinch its skin. If it is broken or worn out, replace it sooner rather than later. The rider’s shoes and clothes should also not irritate the animal.

Look for anxiety relief

Making conscious efforts to make your horse happy can make all the difference. Look for signs of equine anxiety and deal with it at the earliest. Speak softly and stroke its skin before going ahead with the training exercise. You can try cbd for horse cribbing to keep the animal calm and happy. The remedy is safe and natural, and you can use it for the long haul. It also offers relief from pain and digestive issues, so you can expect the horse to go easy with its behavior.

Deal with the issue early

Dealing with a horse’s stubbornness early is the best piece of advice for owners and trainers. If you fail to handle behavioral issues sooner rather than later, things can get worse. The animal believes that it is in charge. The best way to address the problem is by the repetition of commands if the horse fails to obey once.

Be firm and consistent

When it comes to training a stubborn horse, firmness and consistency matter a lot. Even as you must be warm to bond well with the animal, being assertive is not a choice. Stick to the training schedule and use consistent cues to guide the horse. It will be easy to handle the animal when it understands your language.

Training a stubborn horse is daunting, but it isn’t an unachievable feat. A good understanding of equine behavior, along with patience and perseverance, gets you on the right track.

Author Bio: Katherine D’mello is keen on the pet world. Her avid learning skills and a constant hunger for knowledge have helped her create engaging content for 12+ years.