Getting permission from the horse before mounting.

Before mounting your horse, do you ask the horse if he/she gives you permission to ride? Getting on a horse that doesn't want to be ridden is not ethical and not safe. Getting permission from the horse sets you off to a much better start with a greater chance of both of you learning in a positive way.

How to ask for permission?

For getting permission, stand in your normal mounting position, look at the horse's face and ask if it's okay to mount. Look for any reaction from the horse, it might be a blink, or ears towards you. The horse would stand quietly and wait for you to mount.

Signs that the horse is saying NO (any one of these):

- keeps moving / uneasy.

- ears pinned.

- eyes wide.

- head high / looking on high alert.

- focus is not on you.

- trying to bite you.

- looking shut down (appears calm but not responsive or engaging with you).

- heavy breathing.

- tail swishing (if there are no flies).

- any other behaviour that suggests the horse is unhappy and not engaging with you.

So what to do then?

To decide what is the best next step to take, you need to understand the reason your hose is saying no. Is it pain? Fear? Lack of trust? Understanding the horse's emotions is crucial to choosing the way forward that will be most beneficial for both of you.