12 May 2025
How would your horse rate your handling?
Olympic eventing rider Gemma Stevens describes her horse handling as clear, compassionate and careful (credit: Hannah Cole Photography).
Brooke asked equestrians at Badminton Horse Trials this year (7-11 May 2025) for their tips on horse handling, to support their animals' wellbeing.
Riders at Badminton revealed that handling their horse with compassion creates a strong, mutual bond, so they can work together as a team.
British Olympic event rider, Gemma Stevens, who is also a Brooke ambassador, thinks her horse would describe her handling as “clear, compassionate and careful.”
“My horse Arctic Soul (or Spike) was incredibly nervous of crowds, and it took a lot of work to gain his trust and get him to believe that he would be ok in that situation.” said Gemma.
My partnership with horses is key in my sport, so it’s important that they rate me highly!
Eventing star Caroline Harris is sympathetic and patient in her handling (credit: CH Eventing).
Rising star in eventing, Caroline Harris, believes her horse handling is “sympathetic, compassionate and patient.”
Caroline remembered overcoming a difficult handling situation with kindness, helping a Four-star horse, who was a fussy eater, get enough fuel for competing.
Horses can remember how they were treated for at least eight months after one interaction, so treating them with kindness, rather than impatience, is vital to their welfare.
Horses are sentient, social animals with emotions, memories and instincts.
Dr Sophie Hill, Brooke's Equine Behaviour and Handling Advisor, believes it is essential for handlers to understand a horse’s perspective, during training or work.
Horses "respond to body language, tone, and intent." said Dr Sophie.
“Understanding their perspective allows us to communicate fairly and avoid using fear or force, whether in the UK or overseas.”
Dr Sophie Hill believes understanding a horse's perspective allows us to communicate fairly and avoid using fear or force.
Over 100 million working horses, donkeys and mules support 600 million people worldwide, to help them put food on the table and send their children to school.
Brooke works alongside owners, farriers, and vets to support positive and compassionate handling, through practical training and community empowerment.
Learn more about Brooke’s Compassionate Handling project, helping owners overseas improve the welfare of their working animals.