Is my horse misbehaving or in pain?

Many unwanted horse behaviors are a result of an animal that is experiencing pain. In this video Sam shares tips about how to translate or recognize a few of the common signs or indications that a horse may be in pain which may be the root cause(s) of dangerous or resistant equine behavior such as biting, kicking, bucking, bolting, difficult to catch, saddle, bridle, or mount, etc. Subscribe to the Alternative Horsemanship YouTube Channel for more Tuesday Trainer Tips videos.

The Resistant Horse





When the horse is...

Resistant to being caught
Constantly pulling when led
Pulls back or gets stressed when tied
Swishes his tail every time you walk behind him
Always is moving away when trying to tack him up
Steps away when trying to mount
Walks off as soon as the rider is in the saddle
Is drifting, bracing, or anticipative when ridden
Takes "a while" to load into the trailer
Might explode backward during the trailer unloading
Is "buddy" or barn "sour"
Has the same "issue" with the same scary spot repeatedly
Offers dramatic behaviors when something unexpected arises
Paws, paces, cribs, weaves, wall kicks, bites while in his enclosure
Is aggressive towards other horses or at feed time
Etc., etc., etc.

Adaptability in the Horse and Human

Adaptability

People and horses get stuck in a mental/physical rut as to the quality and intention of the Conversations and interactions with their horses.
Without having to "go anywhere" there are so many scenarios that you can create to help you assess, then address and refine, in your own clarity, communication, and adaptability.

Discussing the "Quiet" Horse

The "Quiet Horse" 

Here's a brief video of a horse that reflects many equines I meet whose owners are struggling to understand what is happening with their animal because the outward behavior looks so quiet.





I often hear things like:
He's bored.
He's going to sleep.
He's disinterested.

This week's live video in the Alternative Horsemanship Locals community November 4th, Friday at 6pm pst.

You can post questions related to this topic before the live event and I'll try to answer as many as I can during the Livestream. If you're subscribed as a supporter you can access, watch, replay and learn from all live content.

5 Signs Your Horse Needs a Trainer

If your horse is spooking, bucking, biting, refusing to be caught or tied up, challenging while trailer loading, or generally defensive, it might be worthwhile to hire a trainer for help. Picking the right trainer is also very important. In this video, Alternative Horsemanship the Remote Horse Coach discusses 5 signs it's time to hire a trainer for your horse - and how you may be misinterpreting horse behaviors that could turn into severe or potentially dangerous responses later. Is your horse resistant to being caught, do they act fearful when encountering something new? Are they challenging to tack up or mount? Do they get nervous or anxious and display dangerous behaviors?

Watch the latest Tuesday Trainer Tips video from the Alternative Horsemanship YouTube Channel.

LIVE horse learning with Alternative Horsemanship

Looking for LIVE videos offering Exclusive content with Q & A Opportunities?

Coming in November- Fridays at 6pm pst, 9 pm est, noon ACT

A replay will be available if you can't join the live session.

New topics are posted in the group forum every Monday, comment with your questions, and then join in for LIVE horse-related discussions.

Click the picture below to learn more in the welcome video.


California Alternative Horsemanship 2022 2023 Horse Clinics

Attention Southern California Horse Enthusiasts...

Looking ahead to the 10th year of the Alternative Horsemanship winter clinic series!


OAKZANITA Ranch
Descanso, CA
2022/2023 Dates:
Oct 26-31
Nov 16-21
Jan 25-30
Mar 1-6
Mar 29- Apr 3

Individual 1-hr sessions catered to the individual student and horse's current abilities. Groundwork, equine behavior, tack fit, rider clarity & confidence, are just a few of the many topics often covered in these clinics. They are the only clinics where I allow free auditing.
Email me for participant and auditing details, schedule availability, or to get on the waitlist.

Dear Sam: Horse Help -Spooky Horses


Dear Sam: Horse Help Horsemanship Series 
*Spooky Horses 

Alternative Horsemanship with Samantha Harvey the Remote Horse Coach addresses why reacting after the fact or attempting to contain unwanted and dangerous horse behavior does not solve the long-term issues of the horse's insecurity and fear. 

New EPISODES every Friday Subscribe to the Alternative Horsemanship YouTube channel to not miss any.