Sometimes people think that using punishment will stop a horse from doing something “wrong”. But research in equitation science shows that punishment is not a good way to teach – and it can harm a horse’s confidence and wellbeing.
Animal behaviour experts explain that punishment:
- Might stop a behaviour for a short time, but doesn’t teach the horse what to do instead
- Can mean stronger and stronger pressure is needed over time
- Can make horses feel scared, worried, or frustrated
- Can damage trust between horse and rider
Horses learn best when they feel calm, safe, and able to concentrate. When a horse feels frightened or stressed, learning becomes much harder – and sometimes stops completely.
That’s why punishment often doesn’t lead to long-term improvement.
What Is My Horse Really Telling Me?
Behaviours like bucking, shying, rushing, stopping, or resisting are usually signs that something isn’t right. Your horse may be:
- Feeling unsure or confused
- Feeling uncomfortable or sore
- Feeling scared of something
- Not understanding what is being asked
Punishing these reactions can make the fear worse, and the behaviour may become bigger or more dangerous.
Timing Matters
For a horse to understand feedback, it has to happen at the exact right moment. If it comes even a little bit late, the horse may connect it to the wrong thing – which causes confusion and anxiety.
A Better Way: Train with Kindness and Clarity
Good training focuses on helping your horse succeed. This means:
- Finding the real reason behind the behaviour
- Making learning easy and fair
- Using clear and consistent aids
- Rewarding good tries
- Keeping your horse relaxed and confident
When horses feel safe and understood, they are much more willing to learn and try their best.
These ideas are part of the Pony Club Australia A Certificate Manual, which is based on modern research and equitation science – and helps members become thoughtful, responsible horse people.
