09/09/2025
Let's talk about naughty horses.
If anything is as "hot button" as the blanket debate, it's the naughty horse label. I have seen people become wildly defensive and aggressive on this topic.
Are horses and ponies capable of being naughty?
Personally, I answer this with a resounding "yes!!!" I wholeheartedly believe horses and ponies are capable of willfully and intentionally acting out simply because they want to.
Now, before you come after me with your torches and pitchforks, hear me out.
In my world, "naughty" is not used as an insult. Quite the opposite, in fact. If someone does not think a horse is capable of being naughty, I feel as though they are grossly underestimating the intelligence of the equine species.
Yes, I said intelligence. I believe that it takes a certain level of intelligence for horses and ponies to willfully act out which is why I actually love equines who wear this badge. To me, this is a sign that a horse is able to think beyond just basic instincts. Often times, "naughty" horses are fiercely independent and capable of basic critical thinking that, when channelled properly, turn into incredible mounts with unparalleled work ethics.
Still don't believe me? Anyone who was spent time watching horses in the field with their herds has probably seen this scenario:
The herd is grazing peacefully except for that one horse. You know the one. He sneaks up behind the herd boss and delivers a swift bite to the buttocks then takes off running before the boss can retaliate. He may even do this several more times, clearly enjoying the thrill of escaping just out of reach. He isn't challenging the herd boss or trying to pick a fight. He's simply having fun!
Can we all agree that is rather naughty behavior? If the horse is capable of that in the field, why not in the ring with us?
I once had a pony in for training that was the epitome of the naughty pony stereotype. He would buck, he would bite, he would shove you with his shoulders and threaten to kick. He busted out moves under saddle that would rival that of the Spanish lipizzaners. Every day for five weeks straight this pony would dramatically act out. He wasn't in pain. He wasn't scared. He wasn't confused or frustrated by what I was asking of him. He was willfully acting out because he wanted to and he had been allowed to in the past. I would go so far as to say this mischievous little pony enjoyed the fight at the beginning of every ride. He was incredibly intelligent and you cannot convince me that he didn't know exactly what he was doing. He would spend the first 20 minutes doing everything in his power to try and sway me from the task at hand, and when his antics did not work he would settle in and we would have a lovely ride.
Of course, the naughty label is a slippery slope and should be used with caution. It should never be used as a lazy cop out. If a horse is acting out, it is easy to label him naughty when he is actually trying to express pain, fear, confusion, or frustration. All of these things MUST be ruled out first. In my experience, most horses are trying to relay these messages and are not willfully being bad.
Sometimes though, horses are just downright naughty and it is important to work with an experienced professional who can channel that attitude into something productive before the funny little quirks turn into dangerous habits.
Please enjoy my naughty fjord who is forever coming in with nicks and scrapes from picking at the herd boss 🤦
