On a recent trail ride two unleashed Australian shepherds came rushing toward our horses barking and growling, one dog obviously younger and a bit bolder than the other.

My friend’s mare spooked and spun to face the oncoming dogs. My Quarter Horse, Jack, also spooked at the onslaught but simultaneously evaluated the attackers and targeted his radar onto the braver of the two dogs. He cocked his ear and lifted one hind leg into the locked-and-loaded position, the dog’s body clearly his target. The dog dove in, nipped at Jack’s heels, and retreated