01/23/2026
Why is my horse acting like this? He’s never bucked, reared, pinned his ears, bitten, or kicked at me before.”
Let’s take a moment to look at this together.
A horse’s natural response to fear or discomfort is fight or flight. Behavioral changes are often not defiance, but communication.
Imagine this scenario from the horse’s perspective.
You live in a safe environment with trusted humans and familiar herd mates. During turnout, you strain or bruise your ribcage while playing. Later, your handler brings you in and begins grooming. As the brush moves over your barrel, discomfort appears,so you pin your ears to communicate that something hurts.
Next, the saddle is placed. The added weight increases pressure through the back and ribcage, intensifying the pain. Once mounted, movement further aggravates the discomfort. When asked to trot, the pain escalates, triggering a flight response. Bucking becomes the only way to express distress.
At this point, additional muscles may become strained or overused, creating compensation patterns and spreading discomfort throughout the body.
If you were experiencing pain, would you want to be touched, asked to perform, or pushed further? Of course not.
Horses cannot communicate with words, so it is our responsibility to listen when they speak through behavior and body language.
Think about how you feel when you have a headache, shoulder pain, or stomach discomfort,how sensitive your body becomes and how easily your patience wears thin. Horses experience the same physical responses.
This is where equine massage and bodywork play a vital role. Regular sessions help identify areas of tension, address discomfort early, and support proper muscle function keeping your equine athlete comfortable, willing, and performing at their best.
As you prepare for the 2026 show season, working with an equine massage therapist can help create a proactive care plan to support your horse’s long-term soundness, comfort, and happiness.
Heather Doty
Unbridled Synergy
765-431-0032
https://unbridledsynergy.com