2 Steps to Calm a High-Energy Horse

Allie
Oct 13
2 min read

Every horse experiences moments of high energy, excitement, or distraction at times. The key isn’t to suppress that energy but to redirect it in a way that builds trust, respect, and focus.

Step 1: Build Rapport

Before asking your horse to relax, you need to establish a connection based on trust. Rapport begins the moment you walk into their space. Take time to match your horse’s energy and get them focused on you, not everything happening around them.

Building rapport doesn’t mean being overly soft or hesitant. It’s about being present, aware, and consistent in your cues. Your horse should see you as a calm, confident leader who provides direction, not tension.

When your horse starts to look to you for guidance, they begin to relax naturally.

Step 2: Create Boundaries

Once rapport is in place, the next step is to create clear boundaries that establish personal space and respect.

Scott demonstrates this using a training stick, not as a tool for punishment but for safety and clarity. The stick acts as an extension of your arm, helping define how close the horse can come without stepping into your space.

When a horse is full of energy, they might crowd you, push past, or lose awareness of your position. By calmly reinforcing boundaries, you remind your horse to stay attentive and respectful.

This doesn’t take force or frustration. It takes consistency and timing. When your horse learns that maintaining space leads to comfort, they wo;; start to approach in a calmer, more thoughtful way.

The Result: Awareness and Focus

The real transformation happens when your horse starts to think instead of react. Through these two steps, building rapport and creating boundaries, you are teaching your horse to redirect their energy toward you.

Next time your horse feels tense or full of energy, take a few minutes to focus on these two steps.