Fawn or learned helplessness is a complex behaviour that can be difficult to identify. Many confuse the shutdown as willing compliance, consequently it can be easily overlooked. However, it can be a long road to reverse.
Horses that are in the FAWN spectrum seek comfort by complying. Even if that compliance causes physical or emotional discomfort. Wishing to avoid any adverse reactions they act as if they believe the price of the relationship is giving up all their needs and preferences etc., no matter what is on offer.
Without the benefit of understanding, they are trapped in the circle of doing .
I have heard people say how happy they are that their horses comply and are super obedient. They compound suffering without realising, by mistaking this fear based shutdown for willingness.
These horses seek safety within themselves and are often the product of human ego. The fear restricts development of a healthy balanced mind. This in itself is dangerous as CURIOSITY creates CONFIDENCE. In other words, a horse lacking in confidence has weak foundations. A horse with weak foundations can and most likely will blow once the tipping point has been reached.
Helping these horses to gain confidence and allow self expression is delicate. It is possible they will swing and become defensive/aggressive as they “wake up”. Though their association with humans will drive them in the beginning, it is possible to change their perception. As we show that we are able to hear them, we can work with them until they find an equilibrium emotionally.
Emotional Abandoned
The Fawn state is not always created by a physical or emotional active element (abuse). It can also become evident in those that have been abandoned. By this I mean, the horse has all the physical needs (Forage, Friends, Freedom) but an emotional abandonment has occurred. This is especially prevalent in horses that have relied on human contact as their primary relationship. If that human no longer has time or interest, even for very genuine reasons, the torment the horses feels is no less real.
Another important time in a horses life is if rehoming becomes necessary. It is vitally important that the loss they feel whether for human or equines left behind is taken into account. They are social animals that feel this rip as acute as we would, if not more so. Without the power of primary expression such as speech we must listen that bit harder!
Side note: Emotionally abandoned horses can display FIGHT.
The fight creates a reaction/contact and they get into a cycle of Fight-Reaction-Fight, this can escalate quickly as they see this communication is rewarded by attention.
It usually ends badly. The horse gets labeled as dangerous, but the behaviour is just attention seeking. All they are doing is displaying dangerous behaviours that they have associated with human contact. They can “unlearn” this and become wonderful partners, with the right handling.
Be prepared to ask yourself if the behaviour you see is willing or a level of FAWN or Learned Helplessness???
Thanks for listening.
“Connect with their MINDS and their Bodies will Follow”
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CLINIC. November 30th. Location: Masia Katmandu Spain.
In this clinic on the 30th of November we will cover movement with connection and how to create a willing partner. You can book by clicking here . If you have facebook here for English o aqui por español
Another blog post that expands on Freeze, Flight and Fight . Self preservation and the 3 F’s and how a horse communicates them.
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