Staying safe-healthy fears

Since birth, humans unintentionally develop what we call a ''healthy fear''. It is typically derived from a past experience, or trauma that develops an understanding of things we should be afraid of. For example, you may have previously choked on food and now you instinctively chew slower and more mindfully. Or perhaps you've previously been burned and now you tend to be more cautious around whatever caused this past injury. These fears are not particularly bad, but provide a healthy awareness of what could go wrong. But where do we draw the line between healthy fears and unnecessary fears? I've recently developed both healthy and unhealthy fears due to the behavioral challenges I've been facing with my horse, and have noticed it important to address this topic. Anxiety is not cute but neither is getting yourself killed because you ''weren't afraid'' when your horse kicked you. As someone who has struggled majorly with anxiety, and still does, I have learned over the years that healthy fear can be better than none, in most situations. Horses may be flight animals but that does not mean their not powerful. Horses can kick up to 2000lbs per square inch at up to 200mph! I don't say this to scare you, but to simply create awareness that these elegant creatures are unbelievably powerful. It only takes 3 seconds of total hell to meet your creator. So again where do we draw the line between healthy fears and unnecessary ones? Well first we need to factor in a couple questions: How well do you know the horse? Does this horse have a dangerous history? Does this horses body language show signs of aggression (pinned ears throwing head scraping dirt etc)? How does this horse treat other horses aka where does he/she fall in the pecking order? and lastly how regularly is this horse around humans? These questions are good things to ask yourself or the owner of a horse before test riding a horse for purchase, or just introducing yourself to a horse you may be working with in the future. These animals are sweet but powerful so here are a few more basic tips for working with a new horse or your current equine 1-when a horse is tied, always walk behind them as close as possible to their rear. This way if the horse attempts to kick you will be too close for them to get enough momentum to cause harm. You will also be out of reach if the horse were to rear while you are passing under its neck and potentially crush you. 2-NEVER ever ever ever loop the lead rope around your hand while leading a horse. If the horse is spooked or decides to bolt the rope will fasten around your fingers, possibly ripping them off &/or breaking your hand. 3-don't be afraid to correct. Horses get double as dangerous when you don't show them your in charge. Correct when necessary and reward good behavior. 4-Body language is how horses communicate with each other 90% of the time. Pay attention to your horses body language and back off when your horse is showing warning signs. 5-NEVER get on a horse or put ANYONE (unless it's a professional trainer) on a horse when you are not 100% comfortable on the ground. I hope these tips helped! remember stay safe & love those ponies well! -One Paint Mare