Well, I firmly believe that they associate particular areas with behavior. Our rings are for work and/or exercise - they get turned out there to play and run sometimes but a person in the ring with them means work. Their stalls, paddocks, corrals are safe areas so to speak. Relaxing, food, sleeping in the sun.
Sorta like my doberman. She knew regular collar, behave but totally at ease. Choke chain, work, period. Not a matter of pulling on it or jerking her, just change of collar, change of mission.
Well, I just wondered if it was my imagination. I don't have so much trouble with the geldings I have now, it was mostly with my mare. She'd really get stiff and sulky here at the house. Probably became more of a problem because I was nervous of her anyway, and just kind of gave up working her in our arena.
Becky