Research on pheromones between horses and humans is very limited and is not conclusive. Horses have a strong sense of smell so it could be within the realm of possibility that horses can distinguish gender in humans. It is more likely, however, that horses associate the frequency of the type of human contact, especially their mannerisms, with the way the person handles and trains the animal. Practical experience indicates that if a horse is primarily handled by a single gender, it will respond more willingly or differently to that gender. Whether it is smell or the mannerisms of that gender has yet to be proved by research. We would suggest that if you want Ladybelle to become more accustomed to your brother, he should begin by working with her on the ground. He can lead her, groom her, and work with her on many tasks so that she becomes accustomed to him. He should do this every day. The two will build a bond of trust over time, and Ladybelle should become more accepting of your brother, develop confidence in him, and eventually allow him to ride.

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