If you’ve ever gotten on a horse and felt like you were sitting on a live wire - explosive, reactive, can’t stand still for two seconds - you’ve probably thought, “This horse is so hot.”
And maybe you blamed the weather. Or the feed. Or the fact that he had yesterday off.
But here’s the thing: what we call “hot” is often a catch-all term for very different things. And if you don’t know what you’re actually dealing with, you’re going to address it wrong.
Energy vs. Anxiety: They Feel Similar But They’re Not the Same
A horse with genuine energy feels like power. There’s impulsion underneath you. He wants to go, but he’s not falling apart. You can channel it. You can use it.
A horse in anxiety feels more like static. He’s reactive, sure - but it’s scattered. He’s not pushing forward with purpose; he’s looking for an escape route. His nervous system is in fight-or-flight, and every aid you give gets misinterpreted as another threat.
The problem? Both can look like a horse that won’t settle. Both can feel like you’re about to get launched. But only one of them responds well to “work it out of him.”
What’s Actually Causing the “Hot” Behavior?
Before you assume your horse just needs to move, ask yourself what’s really going on. Because “hot” can come from:
1. Pain or discomfort
This is the one we miss most often. A horse with back pain, ulcers, or ill-fitting tack doesn’t present with a limp - he presents with tension. He’s reactive because he’s bracing against discomfort. Pushing through this doesn’t solve it; it makes it worse.
Look for: girthiness, reluctance to bend one direction, head tossing, teeth grinding, or behavior that’s worse under saddle than on the ground.
2. Diet and management
High-sugar grass, especially in spring and fall, can absolutely make your horse feel like a different animal. Research shows that nutritional imbalances - including deficiencies in magnesium and B vitamins - can contribute to anxious, reactive behavior.
Look for: seasonal patterns, behavior changes after turnout, or reactions that started after a feed change.
3. Your nervous system
This one’s uncomfortable to hear, but it’s backed by science. Horses co-regulate with their handlers. If you’re tense, holding your breath, or gripping with your legs, you’re sending a signal that says “something’s wrong.” And your horse believes you.
Dr. Stephen Porges’ Polyvagal Theory explains this - mammals read safety or danger through each other’s nervous systems. If you’re dysregulated, your horse is going to mirror that.
Look for: does he settle with a different rider? Do you hold tension you’re not aware of?
4. Actual energy that needs an outlet
Yes, sometimes a horse really does need to move. Young horses, fit horses, horses that have been standing for days - they have energy, and it needs to go somewhere. This is normal and healthy.
Look for: behavior that improves dramatically after 10-15 minutes of work, without escalating. The horse becomes rideable, not more frantic.
How to Tell the Difference
Here’s a simple test: when you let your horse move forward - really forward, not just puttering around - does he settle into the work, or does he get worse?
A horse with genuine energy will start to relax as he moves. His neck will lower. His rhythm will become more consistent. He’ll start listening.
A horse in anxiety will often escalate. The faster he goes, the more frantic he becomes. He’s not burning off energy; he’s running from something internal.
What to Do About Each
If it’s energy: Let him move. Seriously. Long trot, stretchy canter, big circles. Let him use his body. Fighting against genuine impulsion just creates tension. Channel it into forward work, and then ask for collection once he’s taken the edge off.
If it’s anxiety: Slow down. This might mean not even getting on right away. Hand-walking, grooming, just standing together. Focus on your own breathing. Exhale. Let your seat get heavy. Give him time to regulate before you add the pressure of work.
If it’s pain: Call your vet. Get the saddle checked. Rule out ulcers. Don’t train through discomfort - you’re just teaching your horse to associate work with suffering.
If it’s diet: Work with a nutritionist. Look at your hay analysis. Consider whether your turnout schedule sets him up for success or failure.
The Bigger Picture
We throw around “hot” like it’s a personality trait, but it’s actually a symptom. And symptoms have causes.
The goal isn’t to suppress the behavior. It’s to understand what’s driving it and address that. Sometimes that means more work. Sometimes it means less. Sometimes it means a vet visit. Sometimes it means working on yourself first.
Any horse with a nervous system can get stuck in patterns that look like “too much energy.” The question is whether you’re willing to dig deeper than the surface behavior.
Working with a horse that struggles to settle? My From Stiff to Supple course includes exercises specifically designed to help horses - and riders - find calm, focused movement. The 28-day challenge cohort just started, but you can still join with audio-only access.
