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Horses – Is it Really One Rule Fits All?

Jun 01 2025
Katie Nicholl

I don’t know about you but I have always found the equestrian world quite an opinionated one. I like to think that people’s intentions are good, though there have been occasions where I have doubted this! Quite often it can feel that whatever you are doing (or not doing) with your horse, there will be someone that disagrees with you and they are going to let you know about it. One thing I have learnt over the years is that just like us humans all horses are all completely different. Every horse I have ever owned or loaned has taught me plenty, most certainly something different from the previous one. However this is the first time I have owned such a young horse and it has really made me question different training methods. As individuals we all learn differently so does the same apply to our horses? Is it really a case of one rule fits all for training our equine friends or it is time to listen to our horses first and foremost and be less dismissive of other people’s training styles?

Now of course I am not talking about harsh, cruel methods such as Rollkur, excessive use of the whip etc. This type of behaviour must always be called out! However there is a broad spectrum of training ideas for horses that range from positive reinforcement to natural horsemanship to Parelli to more traditional techniques. As an equestrian you most likely know exactly where you sit on that scale and my current problem is that I really don’t! I have always trained my horses in a traditional (what you might call “old school”) way but I have recently seen and experienced more natural horsemanship techniques at work, seeing good results. Now I am at a point of trying to work out which is the best way to educate my young horse, perhaps combining ideas, but not wanting to confuse him.

Equally as important is the fact that we as owners are comfortable and committed to training our horses in the way that suits them best. I recently did some positive reinforcement training with my horse. Despite seeing good results I just didn’t feel comfortable with the level of treat feeding and felt that it would lead to other problems for him in the longer term. This isn’t to say it isn’t right for others but surely its better to stay true to yourself. As you get older you learn to trust your gut a little more!

If you have a training style that is working well for you and your horse then my advice would be to stick with it. However I would say it is important to always be open to learning, no matter what level you are training at. As adults we can get stuck in our ways and there is always so much to learn if your mind is open to it. If your choices are questioned by fellow horse owners or professionals who’s opinions aren’t welcome then always remember that you know your horse best. If you are trying to find a trainer to help you then keep looking until you find the right person that you and your horse are comfortable with. Going with someone just because they are recommended or have a great reputation isn’t worth anything if you’re not feeling happy with your sessions.

So where do I go from here with my horse – well that I am really not sure – it might need a whole another blog! I am hoping as the weather picks up and I bring him back into work he will be able to show me how best he learns and I can put all my knowledge to good use. In the meantime I will keep searching for the right person to come and support us both on this new journey.

Love Katie (aka one confused horse owner) xx