We all wish for a confident, reliable horse who meets us at the pasture gate, works because his heart is in it, and trusts our guidance when he’s scared. Maybe you’re already there, and just want to understand your horse better. Or maybe you’re struggling with one of the many issues that can turn horse dreams into disappointment or even nightmares.

Is your horse hard to catch or resistant?

Is his performance unreliable?

Is he anxious and spooky in spite of desensitizing?

Out of control when he’s scared?

Are you getting conflicting advice, or advice that doesn’t feel right to you?

Do trainers tell you to be tougher, or that your horse is dangerous?

One reason for problems is that typical horsemanship is based on human assumptions and expectations that are often at odds with horses’ true nature. Their innate intelligence is squelched. Their emotions, especially anxiety, are ignored. Their attempts to communicate with us through their behavior are misinterpreted. Our body language is often confusing to them. This is a recipe for trouble.

The solution is NOT necessarily more training for horses.

The solution is training ourselves to help horses feel safe so they can trust our guidance and leadership. This happens when we:

Recognize their emotions and respond constructively.

Interpret their behavior accurately.

Engage their intelligence.

Communicate using body language that makes intuitive sense to them.

Protect them from unnecessary stress, not cause it.

These are elements that transform your horse’s behavior and your relationship quickly and reliably. Many people of all disciplines and skill levels have done this successfully for centuries, but there is no common name for it. I call it “Protector Leadership” because being the horse’s protector is the foundation. These actions don’t replace other good horsemanship practices; they complement them.

I wrote “What Horses Really Want” Unlocking the Secrets to Trust, Cooperation and Reliability" to make it easy for others to apply these principles.

This book is an absolute treasure, with many provocative ideas that will cause you to rethink how you engage with your horse(s) and many practical tips that you can take out to the barn to build/rebuild a far stronger relationship. Phil C

As someone who strives to become a better horseman, with the goal of a partnership with my horse this is what I was looking for. This book is a treasure. Horses want security and companionship, not dominance. Protector Leadership is a concept that resonated with me because I had reached a point where I was searching for more enlightened answers. Thank you for sharing this Lynn Acton! Covey

More Reader Reviews Below

Protector Leadership is not “my training system”.

It is a collection of practices that I discovered through extensive research into the work of great horse people past and present, scientific studies that show how and why they work, and my own personal experience. Research sources are always cited. Each of the 7 sections of “What Horses Really Want” includes clear instructions, demonstration photos, and suggested “Things to Try.” Practical examples are provided by my own horses, especially Brandy, a little bay mare whose profound transformation illustrates the power of Protector Leadership.

Quickly Develop Practical Skills

Earning trust and building your horse’s confidence is easier than you think. These are a few of the concrete skills you will learn for less than half the cost of a single lesson:

Earn a horse’s trust starting from the moment you meet him.

Catch an “uncatchable” horse by showing him he will be safe with you.

Encourage your horse to seek your guidance and direction when he is anxious.

Foster your horse’s curiosity.

Turn pressure into clear communication instead of source of stress.

Strengthen your connection with your horse by allowing appropriate choices and freedom.

Improve your horse’s reliability with confidence building exercises.

Encourage learning.

Recognize “misbehavior” that is actually a sign of your horse thinking like a partner.

Interpret unwanted behavior to identify and address underlying causes.

Discourage unwanted behavior without punishment.

 What Readers Are Saying

Trust, Confidence and Reliability in Action

Brandy and Bronzz can't really read.

They just like to look at their own pictures.