Could You Fight a Horse?

Engaging a horse in combat is generally seen as an act of mental and physical folly. However, understanding the dynamics between humans and horses can shed light on why humans often prevail in horse-related scenarios, both in combat and cooperative training.

Why Fighting a Horse Isn't Always Warranted

While the idea of consciously fighting a horse might seem rather absurd, it's important to recognize that the concept of resistance or fighting back often arises more within the context of horse training or in situations where a horse might become unruly or uncooperative. Anyone who thinks about such scenarios seriously lacks either common sense or compassion.

Physically engaging a horse is not a practical solution due to the sheer weight difference. My current horse, a Lipizzan, weighs around 1100 pounds, while I weigh only 123 pounds. This stark discrepancy makes physical confrontation futile. When effectively working with horses, mutual cooperation is far more effective and safe for both parties.

Advantages of Human Thought and Training

Despite the physical superiority of the horse, humans have several critical advantages, most notably in the realm of abstract thought and strategic training. Here’s how humans can consistently triumph against horses:

Practical Training: The use of round pens and specific exercises helps educate horses. Creating a situation where a horse sees that you are faster and more adaptable is key. For instance, making a horse run circles around a human demonstrates the human's superiority in speed and control, which profoundly affects the horse's psyche. Psychological Tactics: Horses can be easily intimidated. By behaving in a confident manner, humans can convince a horse that they are in control. When a horse senses a threat, they often back down, giving the handler an advantage. Chiming claps and commands can further establish dominance. Mental Advantage: The ability to study horses and understand what motivates them lies with humans. With access to historical knowledge like ancient Greek horse handling manuals dating over 2500 years, modern handlers can build on these foundations to train and bond with horses more effectively.

Practical Examples of Human-Horse Interaction

Being thrown off a bucking wild horse, and even getting trampled, broken bones, or facing kick injuries, is part of the experience of learning to break a horse or compete in rodeos. However, from the ground, one can still effectively manage a wild horse with simple tools and techniques, such as ropes:

Using a Rope: Employing a rope, particularly to rope a horse's neck, then guiding it into a circle and keeping it there, is a common practice. Encouraging the horse to run in circles until it tires or shows signs of submission is a method that has proven highly effective. No Tools Needed? Even without ropes, a skilled handler can use their body language, posture, and knowledge of the horse's behavior to guide it to submission. For example, standing confidently, presenting a barrier, and encouraging the horse to move away by clapping hands, stomping feet, and directing commands can effectively manage a horse.

Conclusion

While we might not consider consciously fighting a horse, the dynamics of human-horse interaction reveal the advantages held by humans. Through training, understanding, and strategic approach, humans can consistently win in scenarios involving horses, establishing a harmonious and cooperative relationship. Far from the idea of brute force, the key lies in wisdom, patience, and understanding.