Pushy Horse? What They’re Really Asking You
If you’ve ever had a horse step into your space, barge past you, or lean heavily on you, you’re not alone. A “pushy” horse isn’t being rude, they’re communicating. And often, they’re asking one simple question:
“Who’s leading here?”
At Standfast, we don’t meet pushiness with punishment. We meet it with clarity, calm energy, and consistency. Because most of the time, a pushy horse isn’t trying to dominate; they’re trying to find out if they can trust you to lead.
Understand Before You Correct
Before we get into the “how,” it’s important to ask:
Is the horse truly pushy, or just confused?
Are they anxious, distracted, or unsure?
Have they ever been taught what your boundaries are?
Horses don’t think in terms of manners, they think in terms of space, pressure, timing, and feel. If we haven’t been clear, they will fill the gap.
Step-by-Step: Addressing Pushiness With Respect
1. Check Your Own Energy
Horses respond to the energy we bring. If you’re uncertain, they’ll test. If you’re aggressive, they’ll resist. Aim for calm, assertive, and present. Breathe. Ground yourself. Then act.
2. Create Space With Intention
If a horse is crowding you, step into their space gently but clearly use your hand, your body angle, or a lead rope signal to back them up a step or two. Don’t yank. Don’t shove. Ask with purpose, then release.
Consistency builds clarity.
3. Reward the Try
The moment they step back or give you space, release pressure. Soften your energy. Let them feel the difference between pressure and peace. That’s how they learn the “yes zone.”
4. Move Their Feet
Leadership isn’t about force, it’s about direction. If a horse is barging or leaning, try moving their hindquarters or shoulders a step. Gently direct their movement to remind them you’re in charge of the space.
Movement resets mindset.
5. Stay Predictable
Horses feel safest with clear boundaries. If you let them into your space one day, then snap at them the next, they’ll get confused and more likely to test you again. Be consistent. Calm. Fair.
What Pushy Horses Are Really Looking For
Pushy horses aren’t bad. They’re often the bold, confident types or the ones who’ve had to lead themselves for too long. They’re asking:
Can I trust you?
Are you paying attention?
Can you help me feel safe?
When we meet that question with presence and leadership, not fear or frustration, everything shifts.
At Standfast, This Is What We Teach
In our horsemanship workshops, we help people understand:
How to read horse energy and body language
How to set boundaries without force
How to lead with feel, not fear
And how to become someone your horse wants to follow
Because when a horse stops pushing and starts following, it’s not because you showed them who’s boss, it’s because you showed them who they can trust.
Want to learn more?
Join us for a hands-on workshop or one-on-one session.
