The 3 F’s for Horses: Essential Care and Handling Basics Every Rider Should Know
There is no need to tell you, in fact there is no need to say that if you spend time around horses, be it regularly or otherwise, it is no less important to learn to ride a horse than it is to understand how the animal thinks. Horses do not respond in the same manner as human beings. Their actions are instinctive and the instincts can be commonly summarized in 3 F’s which are: Flight, Fight, and Freeze. For riders enjoying horseback riding in Seattle , recognizing these natural responses can make interactions safer, calmer, and far more rewarding. We can dissect what each of the Fs entails and its implications on daily horse care and maintenance. Why the 3 F’s Matter in Everyday Horse Handling Horses are prey animals. Much earlier than domestication, survival was determined by the speed of response to perceived threat. These instincts are yet present in even the most well-trained horse that is calm. When riders misinterpret them accidents occur, not due to the fact that the horse is ba...