Disciplining Your Horse, Part 2

Recognizing the problem is the first step in resolving it. There are a few things to keep in mind when you attempt to change the behaviour of your horse should he behave in an unacceptable manner. First horses are constantly pushing boundaries and are usually very intelligent. Many of us do not give them credit for their intelligence and their ability to rationalize. Do not take this factor for granted their intelligence is the only reason we can change their behaviour.
Second do not start something you are not prepared to finish. Corrective training is not about winning or losing but about finding an acceptable resolution to a conflict. That does not mean the problem is fixed. It might only mean that the conflict is less intense. You will not convince a horse in a few lessons to change behaviour that has developed and been accepted for a lifetime. It will take time.   
Third do not take your horses actions personally. He is not behaving a certain way just to pick a fight rather he is trying to prevent one. By nature horses are defensive not aggressive. This does not mean the horse wont act defensively aggressive even though you may feel you are not threatening him you are.
And fourth do not be afraid to be physical when correcting your horse. This is the cause of much of the problem behaviour we now need to change. Many of us enjoy horses because they are kind animals. But a horse can perceive too much kindness as weakness and horses do not have much time for weaker horses. Horses are very physical when they correct each other. Dont worry! You are not strong enough to hurt your horse unless you are using a weapon.
If your horse has learned to ignore you and takes