Kicked by a Horse? How to Prevent it in the Future.

Understanding the Nature of Horses

Horses have a rich history of partnership with humans. However, as prey animals, they possess instincts that can sometimes lead to defensive behaviors, such as kicking. If you’ve been kicked by your horse, try not to take it personally. Your horse was most likely acting out of a state of self preservation. Understanding these instincts is the first step in preventing accidents and fostering a safe environment for both you and your horse.

Why Do Horses Kick?

Horses kick for several reasons, and there are many circumstances in which your horse may kick. We cannot cover all of them here but the main reasons are primarily driven by fear, pain, or frustration. The Parelli Program will give you the framework for solving these behavioral challenges. Left unresolved behavior such as kicking can manifest into larger problems potentially compromising your safety. Please consult our team of Parelli Professionals if you’re in an unsafe situation such as aggressive kicking. The network of Parelli Professionals help horse owners around the world apply the Parelli Program to situations just like this. 

Some common triggers for kicking may include:

1. Fear: Horses are prey animals and their primary defense mechanisms include running away, kicking, or striking. If a horse feels cornered or threatened, it may resort to kicking.
2. Pain: If a horse is experiencing discomfort or pain, it may kick out in an attempt to relieve the source of its distress or to prevent more pressure from being applied from training. 
3. Frustration or Dominance: Sometimes, horses may kick due to frustration, territorial behavior, or dominance issues within a herd.

Recognizing these behaviors and their causes is essential for preventing kicks and ensuring a harmonious relationship with your horse.

Establishing Trust Through Parelli Natural Horsemanship

Parelli Natural Horsemanship is a philosophy and program that emphasizes understanding horse psychology and building a strong partnership based on trust and respect. Here’s how you can apply Parelli principles to prevent kicking:

1. Understanding Body Language

Horses communicate primarily through body language. Learn to read the signs that your horse is anxious, afraid, or uncomfortable. This awareness will allow you to respond appropriately before a kick occurs.

2. Building a Strong Bond

The foundation of Parelli Natural Horsemanship is the relationship between horse and human. Learning what motivates horses and what drives them will help to create a more dynamic conversation with your horse. 

3. Consistent Training

Consistency in training helps instill new habits and patterns. Using the Parelli Program consistently will help your horse become more emotionally balanced, resolving behaviors such as kicking. Consistent training develops more understanding which reduces anxiety, which are common causes of kicking.

4. Respecting Personal Space

Respect your horse’s personal space and teach your horse to respect yours. This mutual respect can prevent situations where a horse might feel the need to kick. Use exercises that reinforce boundaries, such as yielding to steady and rhythmic pressure. In the Parelli Program, you’ll learn about “Zoneology” which will teach you where to safely stand, apply pressure, and be out of the “kick zone.” 

Practical Tips to Prevent Kicking

1. Safe Handling Practices

Approach your horse calmly and confidently. Sudden movements or loud noises can startle a horse, increasing the risk of being kicked. Herd animals often move in a rhythm; this rhythm allows horses to feel safe. Predators are often sporadic, they are stealthy, then attack. These sudden movements can cause horses to be more reactive. Even though we need to be calm around reactive horses, try not to be stealthy or sneaky. Horses have fish eye lenses and can see nearly all the way around them except directly in front and directly behind, so try to approach from the side rather than directly from behind or in front, as this is within the horse’s blind spots. 

2. Proper Grooming Techniques

When grooming or handling your horse, stay close to its body. Standing too far away can increase the force of a kick if it happens. Notice signs of distress, if the horse pins their ears back, or starts to push into you, these are signs you need to address your horse’s behavioral needs.

3. Recognizing Warning Signs

Be aware of signs that your horse may kick. Ears pinned back, tail swishing, and lifting a hind leg are clear indicators. 

Parelli Techniques to Prevent Kicking

1. The Seven Games

The Parelli Program was developed by Pat Parelli for horse owners just like you to build trust and communication. 

The Seven Games are the basic framework for solving a variety of behavioral challenges. 

1. Friendly Game: Helps the horse accept humans, their tools such as grooming tools, etc. and basic energy.
2. Porcupine Game: Teaches the horse to yield from steady pressure.
3. Driving Game: Teaches the horse to respond to rhythmic pressure.
4. Yo-Yo Game: Teaches the horse to move forwards and backwards equally.
5. Circling Game: Teaches the four responsibilities of a partnership. 
6. Sideways Game: Teaches the horse to think and move laterally.
7. Squeeze Game: Builds confidence in confined spaces.

Playing these games regularly develops communication, which in turn changes your horse's mental and emotional state. When your horse is in a state of yielding vs reacting, the potential for kicking is less. 

Conclusion

Preventing horse kicks involves understanding your horse’s instincts, building a strong bond through Parelli Natural Horsemanship, and implementing practical safety skills. By recognizing the signs of fear, pain, and frustration, and responding appropriately, you can create a safe and trusting relationship with your horse. Regular training, respectful handling, and a positive environment are key to preventing kicks and ensuring the well-being of both you and your horse.

Incorporating Parelli Principles into your daily interactions with your horse will not only prevent kicking but also strengthen the bond between you and your equine partner. Remember, a happy and confident horse is less likely to resort to defensive behaviors, making your horse life enjoyable and safe.