Most riders recognize that horses can be dangerous. Their size and strength is much greater than our own. Boundaries are important for your safety! You need to establish respect from the very beginning. You should become your horse's leader when interacting with them.

Creating Boundaries

Your horse should respect you. It can be helpful to imagine an invisible hoolahoop around you. Your horse should never enter that area unless you invite them inside. You may be wondering why... A horse that is allowed to inch closer and closer will eventually nibble, push, or even step on you.

Julie Goodnight offers a boundary stick for this sole purpose. She encourages her students to keep their horses an arm length away. Watch her horse and how he responds to the stick...

You'll need to be consistent with setting boundaries. Determine what you find acceptable and stick it!