what constitutes a well mannered horse? (4-H questions)?

Favorite Answer

Hello,
My opinion of a well mannered horse:

Not pushy, but respectful of humans

In your pocket, but not in your space

Wanting to please

Willing to do what you ask

Patient, no pawing, pulling back when tied, but will stand quietly

Patient while grooming and tacking up

Will not walk off until you ask when mounting

Will slow down, speed up or stop when asked the first time

Listens to its riders body cues

Is not mean, pushy or aggressive to other horses

Doesn't mind if someone follows too closely on the trail

Will not walk in front of, or step on you when you lead them from the ground

Anticipate a halter or bridle and lowers its head and puts it nose right in

Will wait for you to open and close gates from the ground and on its back

Will do anything its human asks it to do without a fuss



Hope this helps!...Show more

A well mannered horse is an agreeable animal that respects peoples space(ALL humans, not just his owner). He is patient and gentle. I consider a horse that is easy to lead, stands respectfully when tied, groomed, bathed, and visited by the vet and farrier a well mannered horse. When I look at a horse for the first time I can get a pretty good clue on whether the horse has manners or not. A horse that stands nice and quietly in their stall and is not calling to other horses at a show is a well mannered horse.
Keep in mind, a well trained horse and a well mannered horse aren't always a two in one package. I've met some pretty awesome performers in their discipline that have the most aweful manners outside the ring. They push their handlers around, stomp and kick the trailer or rails when tied, and have to litterally be pulled with two hands on the lead....Show more

A well mannered horse:

must never eat grass when he has his bridle on
must stand still while being mounted
must respond to the riders correct aids to perform movement requested i.e. halt, trot etc and lateral movements if trained to this level, moving hindquarters while opening gates etc....
must not rush when being ridden - especially when jumping
He must not rear nor buck

On the ground, I'd expect a well mannered horse not to rub against me while handling him. Nor push over me. And of course never bite or kick.

Nervous horses must not be confused with poor mannered horses. I would set different standards when handling and riding a highly strung horse. A horse that is nervous may have the scope to look after himself and you when jumping large elements. He may also have the extra sparkle required for showing off in some disciplines. These horses often have different ground manners - due to their nerves they may be uncomfortable standing still for too long, and grooming etc often needs to be performed quickly. They may not trust vets etc, but this nervous energy may be useful in other areas.

So it's a balancing act depending on how experienced the handler is. Sadly it is often the case that the more beautiful and refined animal may have trouble settling to his work. This is why you often see pleasure hacks/pony club horses with a more common workman like appearance, along with a lovely sensible nature and manners....Show more

A horse that....
--respects personal boundaries (does not push handler around)
--accepts a contact and does not avoid the bit or pull on rider
--easily obeys simple commands and is submissive to his handlers superior place in the "herd"

It is my personal belief that manners grow out of proper training. While a horse can be friendly without training, manners are something a horse needs to be taught. I also think that it is impossible to have a polite horse, if you handle him in an impolite way. Even though your in charge, the relationship is built on mutual respect....Show more

one who says thank you, opens doors for the ladies and puts the toilet seat back down. I dunno - maybe one who isn't flighty, doesn't push past you, waits for your command, doesn't go daft over a bucket of feed............Show more