Does a horse invading your space mean a lack of respect?

What do we actually mean when we say a horse invades a person’s space? Typically, this refers to a horse positioning itself too close to us during groundwork, approaching without invitation, or being difficult to move away. It might even bump into us with its head, shoulder, or step on our foot. Such behavior is often labeled as “disrespect,” which can lead to misunderstandings and even frustration. When we hear “Your horse doesn’t respect you; do something about it,” we might feel helpless or frustrated. Trying to gain “respect” by raising energy with uncertainty, irritation, or even anger can lead to a worsening of the problem, with the horse pressing further into our space. On the other hand, some say, “That’s just how horses are; let the horse be a horse,” which often leads people to feel uncomfortable or even fearful around their horses. Neither extreme approach is truly effective in the long term.

When helping pairs like this, I always start by finding the root cause. The horse standing too close is often just the symptom, and one-size-fits-all advice doesn’t work for every horse.

Below, I’ll outline a few common causes for a horse invading human space. Maybe one of these applies to your situation.

Balance and Flexibility

This often becomes apparent during movement or groundwork in close quarters. Common situations include:

• While adjusting the girth or mounting, the horse shifts a front leg toward you.
• Asking the horse to yield its hindquarters from near the shoulder might result in it stepping toward you with a front leg before finally moving its hind end.
• Asking the horse to move out on a circle while yielding the shoulder, it may shift its weight onto the forehand instead of engaging the hindquarters, resulting in movement toward you rather than on a round track.

Would raising your energy here be the best approach? Likely, focusing on balance and flexibility will be more helpful. Maybe the exercise is currently too challenging, or you’re asking for too much precision. Try establishing connection first and adapt with simpler exercises that improve lateral bending and hind engagement. Sometimes, a single well-executed step is worth more than a forced, technically perfect response. Your attitude in these small moments will affect your progress long-term.

Did We Teach This Behavior?

Horses are observant and pick up patterns quickly. They, like us, look to improve their situation and avoid unnecessary exertion. They learn where comfort is found. Does your horse anticipate work when it’s at a certain distance on the lead? Often, a few meters out on a lunge line, we ask for movement, gymnastics, or even jumping. But when the horse approaches, it receives a break—unintentionally reinforced by the time it takes for you to reset. Thus, coming close becomes rewarding.

If you recognize this situation, try reversing it. Make the space around you a place of work if necessary, while the distance offers relaxation.

Seeking Support

This and the previous example are similar but have different roots. Some horses feel insecure at a distance and seek reassurance by staying close. This behavior indicates not only a search for comfort but also a lack of confidence. You might recognize it in a horse that would “jump into your arms” if frightened. While this shows trust, we want horses to feel calm and secure as well as confident on their own. Building this will improve safety, reduce stress, and make solo training or traveling easier.

Unintentional Invitation

Horses in good communication with us read body language easily. One invitation for them to approach is when we step back. While working with your horse, focus on being present and mindful. At times, we may ask the horse to approach by stepping back, but then inadvertently step back when trying to create space. How do you think the horse reads that?

So, if you feel that your horse doesn’t fully understand boundaries, consider if any of these situations apply. If not, look further, review your interactions on video, or consult with a trainer. Simply sending the horse away might not alter the behavior and could even intensify it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

fot. Marta Ciesielska 
Western City, Rozmawiając z Koniem