"Your Horse CAN do this:"

A well mannered horse does all the following consistently

Stands and faces me when I go in the pasture or corral to catch him

Lowers his head into the halter or bridle

Yields from my touch, look or rhythmic pressure anywhere on his body

Stays respectfully out of my space when I’m leading him

When leading him, he stops when I stop and backs up when I back up

Respects my personal space and never touches me with any part of his body

Allows me to touch him anywhere on his body with my hands, rope, saddle, etc.

Picks up his feet to give them to me on cue

Walks in the horse trailer when I direct him towards the open door

Stands quietly without being tied while saddling

Stands still for mounting and waits for me to ask him to move off

Allows me to make all decisions concerning speed and direction

Follows my focus and cues with willing, fluid movement

Crosses water and other obstacles without resistance

Rides away form the barn and other horses without resistance

Stands tied patiently

Stands with me after the halter is off until I walk away

A horse should not be expected to accept things from humans that should not be done to it in the first place such as:

Inconsiderate or rough handling

Inconsistent cues, requests and signals

Using jerking or poking movements instead of calm, steady pressure

Patting or smacking with hand (rub your horse)

Dropping his feet back on the ground instead of lowering them down easy

Carelessly tossing a saddle on his back (lift it on smooth and easy with a soft landing)

Displays of any emotionally based reaction from us, such as anger or impatience
Any type of physical punishment or traumatic experience

ED DABNEY Gentle Horsemanship 2006