Why Horses Say No: Reading the Signs Before You React

About this episode

This episode discusses the reasons behind horses' refusals and how to interpret their behavior.

Have you ever asked your horse to do something—and got a big, resounding “NO”? Maybe they planted their feet, balked at the trailer, or just shut down. It’s frustrating, even scary at times. In this month’s episode of Ride On with Julie Goodnight, we’re tackling one of the most misunderstood behaviors in horses: refusal—and what it really means. Show Notes: Julie Goodnight’s Blog Archives: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/julie-blog/ Fear and Refusal: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/rearing-to-go/ See Julie’s Top Level Membership here: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/interactive-membership-benefits/ Julie’s Shop: https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/ Rope Sale: https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product/25-off-colorful-rope-product-while-supplies-last/ For our podcast listeners: Use the promo code TIEDUP10 at checkout to get 10% off all training tools and rope products in our store! Julie Goodnight’s Events Schedule: https://juliegoodnight.com/events-2/ Sign up for Julie’s Newsletter: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/wishlist-member-3/?reg=1392669509 Ride On with Julie Goodnight Podcast: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/audios/ride-on-podcast/ Email Questions for Julie’s…

People in this episode

Host: Julie Goodnight

Topics covered

• horse behavior
• refusal
• training
• communication
• understanding horses

Keywords

• horse refusal
• training tools
• horse communication
• balking
• horse behavior

Sponsors

Julie’s Shop

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Julie Goodnight’s Blog, Julie Goodnight’s Events Schedule, Julie’s Shop, Ride On with Julie Goodnight Podcast, Facebook, Google

More episodes of Ride On with Julie Goodnight

• The Art of Breaking It Down · May 12, 2026 · 1h 3m
• Blogpost: Cueing with Clarity- Misbehaving or Misunderstanding? · April 28, 2026 · 8 min
• Understanding Separation Stress in Horses: Herd Bound, Barn Sour, or Just Social? · March 17, 2026 · 45 min
• From Conflict to Connection: How Horses Learn to Say Yes · February 16, 2026 · 47 min
• The Need For Speed · October 17, 2025 · 35 min
• Should I Let Someone Else Ride My Horse · August 29, 2025 · 43 min