We are the treats

Most people love giving a horse food treats. It is an instant high for us. The horse responds with affection and becomes alive. It is a behavioral addiction for the horse and the human.

The horse, who learns by association, finishes the treats and then asks us for more. This pattern is now in the horse’s memory. The horse will anticipate the treat. The next visit from the human, the horse will sniff your pockets. They may even nudge you or use their mouth to search your hand. The game is on!

By using food treats with a horse as way to build affection and trust, the person becomes the ‘vending machine’ for the horse. You would think we become more valuable in this scenario. In truth, the horse has less respect for us. They will push us, nudge us and have bad boundaries when we approach. In worst case scenario, they will start to nip looking for food treats.

Do I use food treats? Yes, very randomly and NEVER as a reward or a bribe for love. Just like a parent giving their child money to love them, a horse owner will do this with their horse. I have seen it over and over with horse owners as well as parents with their children.

The food treat is about us and our insecurities. (Disclosure: I am not perfect and make mistakes. Then, I have to spend time uncorrecting my mistakes). Horses are always studying us. In truth, we have an influence on their behavior with how we behave. For example, if we use force with a horse constantly, you will eventually have a troubled horse who will not trust any human.

At the farm, we recently lost one of our barn staff employees. He flew back to his home in Guatemala, and might not return due to immigration issues. His family has a ranch and works with cattle. He has been with horses all his life. Leo is his name. Leo is very intelligent, 23 years old with an education in agronomy. He was at the farm in Ipswich for less than a year. He understood English but was still learning how to have conversations in English. Often, when we spoke, we used a translation program on our phones. WE ADAPT!

His last day at work, I asked if he would like to work with Hunter and Galloway in the indoor arena. We brought the horses to the indoor arena from their paddock. We moved them around at liberty. Galloway did his thundering canter. Hunter moved gingerly. We stopped and let them be. Hunter did his roll. Galloway went over to Hunter wanting to play.

We offered no food treats. We offered our presence. The ultimate gift to any life.

Then, Hunter came over to Leo. It was there that I noticed that not only was Hunter saying goodbye, he had a look of sadness in his eyes.

The horses know. Take a moment, and just think how many times horses have to say goodbye to their horse and human friends when they are sold, donated or auctioned. On average, a horse is transferred to another owner four to five times in its lifetime.

Leo was a friend to the herd. He took care of their needs. When I have new clients, the first thing I do is introduced them to the barn staff, and tell them that they are most valuable people in a barn.

How are you do you show for others? Are you a treat? Or are you a bribe?

Camron Adibi is a Horse-Human Coach specializing in Equine Guided Learning for individuals of all ages and backgrounds who are dealing with challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or emotional and social difficulties. He offers a unique program called ‘Listening with the Herd,’ which invites participants to explore sound, movement, and breathing in the presence of horses. Camron aims to enhance the interactions between horses and humans through education and storytelling. He is a certified PATH Therapeutic Riding Instructor and holds graduate degrees in both education and architecture. Oh yeah, Camron is a sailor with a captain's license. www.camronadibi.com