Whether your horse is a high level show competitor, a mobile lawn ornament or somewhere in between, it is important to have him under control at all times.
 Even if your horse falls into the mobile "lawn ornament" category, there will be times when he has to be handled to ensure that his basic hoof and veterinary care needs are met.
In order to keep yourself, your horse, and others safe, you need him to be calm and well behaved in all situations.
There are generally three types of horse/owner relationships.
1) In some horse/owner relationships, the horse is the leader.
 The horse determines what he will do and when he will do it.
   The owner adjusts her handling and riding habits to suit the will of her horse.
 This is the "my horse doesn't like that" relationship.
 The result is a pushy, sometimes even aggressive horse (and usually a nervous, fearful owner).
2) Another relationship type occurs when the owner maintains "control" through inflicting pain as punishment to discourage unwanted behaviours.
 Such negative "motivators" can be spurs, whips, and chains.
 This is the "I'll show you who the boss is" relationship.
 The result is an unpredictable, sometimes resentful horse.
3) The third relationship type is one built on mutual trust and respect between horse and human.
 Through understanding the horse's perspective of the world, the handler takes on the alpha horse role.
 This is the "willing partner" relationship.
 The result is a calm, trusting and willing horse.
The type of training used to develop this trusting relationship is commonly known as "natural horsemanship".
 By using this training method, you show your horse that you are the alpha horse.
 Your horse decides that it is in his best interest to take the subordinate role in exchange for the security you provide.
The best way to have control over your horse is to develop a relationship built on mutual trust & respect.
  You can develop this type of relationship on the ground by:

1. understanding how your horse interprets your movements,
2. setting clear physical boundaries while respecting your horse's personal space; and
3. getting your horse to move where you want him to move.
   

This training can be done in a round pen, small paddock, in-hand, or on a lunge line.
 It does not require any special equipment.
 But, because humans are programmed as predators and horses are programmed as prey, the way we move and interpret body movements are very different.
 It is possible to learn how to move more like a prey animal and understand the horse's perspective of the world.
This type of training takes time (for the human to learn) and patience.
 But, the result will be a confident, willing partner and a winning relationship for both horse and owner.