No matter a horse’s talent, if he consistently engages in difficult, damaging, or dangerous behavior, he risks being found guilty of being a “problem horse.” He then will serve time wearing uncomfortable devices designed to break or hinder an unacceptable behavior, being handed corporal punishment by a frustrated handler, or being given capital punishment via a trip to auction and on to the slaughterhouse.

Some equine behaviors are misdemeanors, which means they are inconvenient or annoying–such as a mare fleeing the scene, making the handler spend a fruitless half-hour trying to catch her for training sessions. Other behavior problems are more alarming, such as shying in traffic or on a narrow mountain trail. Then there are those felonious behaviors that are downright dangerous, such as kicking or biting the handler or another horse, which could earn one party a doctor or veterinary bill and possibly land the owner in court