Jan 8, 2026
If your horse isn’t spooky…and they’re not shutdown…but they do push back - this episode is for you.
Fight responses in horses are
often misunderstood.
They can show up as nipping, pinned ears, tail swishing, big
reactions (like kicking, rearing, bucking etc.), or behaviours that
get labelled as “dominant”, “pushy”, or “opinionated”.
And when this is your horse, it can leave you feeling confused, judged by others, and second-guessing yourself - especially when you know there’s more going on beneath the behaviour.
Fight responses aren’t bad
behaviour.
They’re a nervous system response...one that often shows up when a
horse still has agency, expression, and a desire to stay in
relationship… but doesn’t yet feel safe.
In this episode, I explore:
What the fight response actually is
Why fight behaviours often get misunderstood
How fight responses can emerge
A real story with my horse, Lily
Why this phase can feel so hard to hold as a human
This episode isn’t about
fixing behaviour.
It’s about understanding what your horse is communicating and why
fight responses ask for discernment, nuance, and support rather
than quick answers.
If you love a horse who pushes back…and you’ve ever felt like you’re missing something - this conversation will help you see the bigger picture.
✨ Want a grounded starting
point?
Download my free Prepare Your Horse For Any Environment
checklist — the foundational framework I use with all horses to
build confidence, clarity, and safety step by step.
✨ Want to explore more
about flight and freeze responses?
Find them on my Compassionate
Horsemanship Playlist.
✨ Looking for deeper support?
This is the kind of layered work we explore inside The Field — my 3-month
horsemanship mentorship experience for compassionate equestrians
who want clarity, confidence, and a safer, more connected
partnership with their horse.
If you’re ready for guidance, reflection, and personalised support
while holding this complexity, you can learn more via my website or
reach out directly.
Connect with me:
https://www.instagram.com/compassionate_horsemanship/
https://www.facebook.com/felicitydavieshorses/
https://www.felicitydavies.com.au/horses
Felicity 🤍