Let's chat dominance theory

There's a persistent presence of the dominance theory, a methodology entrenched within the wider community of trainers and coaches. The premise is often cloaked in the guise of creating safe horses. 

However, a glaring truth remains: this approach, while aiming for safety, often lacks the development of a genuine sense of security for our equine companions. Furthermore, it neglects the profound beauty found in the cultivation of trust, confidence, and meaningful relationships between horses and humans.

The dominance theory has been a long-standing paradigm in horse training. Rooted in the belief that establishing oneself as the dominant figure in the horse-human relationship is the key to control and safety, it relies on the imposition of authority to dictate the horse's behaviour. This approach asserts that the human should assert dominance over the horse to command respect and ensure safety.

While on the surface, this might seem like a rational and effective way to manage a horse, it often overlooks the essence of what makes a partnership truly meaningful. The method fails to account for the emotional and mental well-being of the horse. By enforcing dominance, it tends to create an environment of fear and submission rather than one of trust and mutual understanding. 

The crucial oversight lies in the fact that while the dominance theory might offer immediate compliance, it rarely fosters a genuine sense of safety in horses. True safety is not just about having a horse obey commands out of fear; it's about nurturing an environment where the horse feels secure, understood, and valued.

Moreover, this approach overlooks the profound beauty and reward found in building relationships with horses based on trust and cooperation. It fails to acknowledge the extraordinary bond that emerges when a horse willingly engages in a task because it trusts its human partner.

The absence of a felt sense of safety for horses is a critical flaw in the dominance theory. Instead of instilling genuine trust and confidence, it often breeds an atmosphere of apprehension and uncertainty. Horses subjected to dominance-based training may comply out of fear, but they lack the ease and willingness to perform tasks because they feel secure and respected.

So, what's the alternative?

It's imperative to shift the focus from dominance to partnership. Cultivating a relationship built on trust, communication, and mutual understanding holds the key. By understanding the horse's natural behaviour and responding accordingly, we can create an environment where horses feel safe and are willing participants in their training.

This approach prioritises empathy, patience, and the development of a deep, symbiotic connection between horse and trainer. It acknowledges the horse's emotions and mental state, fostering an environment where the horse feels understood, secure, and valued. We call it the Holistic Horse Handling Methodology.

The dominance theory, although deeply rooted in traditional practices, often fails to provide genuine safety for horses. Embracing a more empathetic and partnership-based approach not only ensures a horse's safety but also unlocks the beauty of trust and confidence in the horse-human relationship. It's not about dominating; it's about partnering with these magnificent creatures to create a harmonious and mutually rewarding connection. 

We need to create a felt sense of safety in the training environment for both ourselves and our horses so that both ourselves and our horses have access to our social engagement system whereby the horse enjoys learning, asks to be ridden and looks after us.