34: Improving your Horse's Emotional Health with Glenn Stewart

Stress is a significant concern for horses, as it influences countless aspects of their health and well-being. So, this week, I invited Glenn Stewart to join me to dive into the emotional health of horses. Glenn works with wild horses. I have been following his travels across the globe for several years, doing clinics and working with horses and humans. He has been an invaluable resource in my quest to understand more about equine behavior and health within a natural environment. Glenn is one of the premier horsemen in the world with four decades of experience, having worked with thousands of horses and 38 different breeds. He runs annual High & Wild camps at his ranch in Fort St. John, British Columbia, where he leads groups into the mountains to work with horses that have had very few interactions with humans. Glenn has won many competitions, including the Cold Starting competition at the Horse Expo in Red Deer, Alberta. He became the 2021 champion at Road to the Horse in Alberta, Canada, and clinched the world championship title at the 2022 Road to the Horse in Lexington, Kentucky. Join us as Glenn draws from his expertise and vast experience to explore the intricate relationship between stress and equine health.Understanding Stress in HorsesEven though stress in horses is not inherently harmful, excessive stress may harm them. Discomfort is necessary for growth in both humans and horses. Glenn notes that horses, being prey animals, find many things stressful, and the goal should be to build their confidence rather than shield them from all stress.Importance of BalanceIt is essential to find balance when working with horses. Protecting horses from all discomfort is as damaging as exposing them to constant stress. The key is to expose them to stress in a controlled, step-by-step manner to help them become calmer and more confident.Long-term Stress and Horse BehaviorSome may try to avoid putting their horses in stressful situations, believing it will keep them calm. Glenn counters this by explaining that long-term stress from constantly being protected can make horses more fearful. He believes that with proper training, any horse can build confidence and become calmer, regardless of their initial temperament.Keeping Horses Out of Self-Preservation ModeGlenn explains the importance of preventing horses from entering self-preservation mode, which occurs when they feel overly pressured and see no way out. Proper training involves showing horses that there is an answer to the pressure they face, encouraging them to think and remain calm.Mental and Emotional DevelopmentGlenn stresses the importance of mental and emotional development over physical fitness in horse training. He believes in building mental and emotional resilience in horses to prevent them from reacting adversely under stress.Misconceptions about Fast TrainingGlenn addresses the misconception that quick training is harmful. He argues that fast training can be beneficial and less stressful for the horse if done correctly. Prolonged confusion and slow training can lead to more stress and anxiety for the horse.Trust between Humans and HorsesTrust gets built through consistent, clear communication and handling. Horses need to know what humans expect of them and see their human owner as a reliable leader. Glenn emphasizes the importance of developing yourself before trying to train your horse.Training Approach in CompetitionsGlenn often waits to saddle or ride the horse in competitions, focusing instead on building trust. He explains that the goal is to get enough positive responses from the horse before proceeding to ensure the horse is mentally and