Your Horse CAN do this:

A well mannered horse does all the following consistently:

- Stands and faces me when I go in the pasture or corral to catch him

- Lowers his head into the halter or bridle

- Yields from my touch, look or rhythmic pressure anywhere on his body

- Stays respectfully out of my space when I’m leading him

- When leading him, he stops when I stop and backs up when I back up

- Respects my personal space and never touches me with any part of his body

- Allows me to touch him anywhere on his body with my hands, rope, saddle, etc.

- Picks up his feet to give them to me on cue

- Walks in the horse trailer when I direct him towards the open door

- Stands quietly without being tied while saddling

- Stands still for mounting and waits for me to ask him to move off

- Allows me to make all decisions concerning speed and direction

- Follows my focus and cues with willing, fluid movement

- Crosses water and other obstacles without resistance

- Rides away form the barn and other horses without resistance

- Stands tied patiently

- Stands with me after the halter is off until I walk away

A horse should not be expected to accept things from humans that should not be done to it in the first place such as:

- Inconsiderate or rough handling

- Inconsistent cues, requests and signals

- Using jerking or poking movements instead of calm, steady pressure

- Patting or smacking with hand (rub your horse)

- Dropping his feet back on the ground instead of lowering them down easy

- Carelessly tossing a saddle on his back (lift it on smooth and easy with a soft landing)

- Displays of any emotionally based reaction from us, such as anger or impatience

- Any type of physical punishment or traumatic experience

ED DABNEY Gentle Horsemanship 2006