Автор: cascaderanch, 2 июня 2004 г. в 19:26

Found a post on this website, asking the same old question: "does the horse benefit from interaction with the owner?" Read some replies and reactions and decided to write a post of my own.

To pet or not to pet, to spoil or not to spoil - this is not a binary question, and it can't be answered with a binary answer. Do what you want. However, if you want my advice - read on.

Never give treats to a horse before you work it. Pet, scratch, rub all you want, but no carrots, or apples, or cookies, or caviar. It’s really hard to do, especially for those of us who love horses, but it’s the right way. Horse should not expect a carrot every time it sees you – it’s your “slave”, however negative the connotation is. I know, my gentle reader, you are appalled by the use of the word “slave”. However, how else do I describe the relationship we have with a horse? We want to ride – we ride. We do not ask our horses is they feel like riding, or not, do we? We don’t pay them, and we don’t let them leave on their own volition, do we? As for love and appreciation that we give them… well, love between a slave owner and a slave is nothing new. The long and the short of it – your horse is your slave. Be kind to it, but remember – you are the Master. You came to work with him, and make him work for you. You saddle him up and you go. Again, no treats while you work. Pet him, scratch him, praise him, but no treats. The reason is obvious.

There is an exception to the rule: Treats are a tool of the trade if you want to teach your horse a trick. For example, you want him to bow. The only (humane) way I know to teach a horse to bow is to hold a carrot in my hand as my hand goes under his chest.

So, when should you give a treat to your horse? After you ride. He did his job, he did it well. Now it’s your turn - you rub him, you groom him, you give him a bath and a treat. When you give treats to a horse, never give them from your hand. The reason is simple:
Your hand should not be viewed as a feeding bucket, or a candy jar. Do not keep carrots in your back pocket. If you do –sooner or later your horse will bite you in the ass. Put the treats in the feeding bucket, and let the horse eat. You might say “But if I put it in the bucket, then what’s the difference between a treat and a bunch of hay? Hay is cheaper!” Precisely!

On the other hand, if you enjoy giving your horse treats and do not care if it forms a bad habit with your horse, then God Bless you, and give him treats all you want! He is your horse! Who says you can’t do what you want with your beloved faithful slave?