Temperament

Although the word 'temperament' properly means the nature and disposition of a horse, it is often used to describe behaviour that human beings find problematic. It must be said that the majority of these problem behavious arise out of poor management caused by a lack of knowledge and understanding of horses' needs. It is this area that needs an honest and thorough assessment before turning to the use of severe bits, flash nosebands, whips and harsh words to counter difficult behaviour.

Health problems such as sharp teeth or a sore back can cause a horse to offer aggressive behaviours. Boredom and isolation have negative effects on the sweetest of natures. In their natural state horses spend most of their time on the move, in the company of others, eating little and often. Confinement in a stable means being deprived of exercise, company and the opportunity to graze. It has been discovered that the act of chewing satisfies a deep rooted psychological need which the feeding of concentrates with limited access to hay fails to fulfill. Diets based largely on concentrates can cause 'overheating' (hyperactive, difficult to manage behaviour).