another horse ...another training problem

[krissy3]

I have this gelding...4 years old . he was wild when i got him at age 2. he has accomplished a few things like being haltered and hooves picked. He still wont allow me to brush him, and seems overly terrified of "objects" like brushes, sissors, spray bottles etc. The most worrisome problem is this ...he takes off when he doesnt want to do something or is scared. Today he took off running while I had him haltered, just at the site of the fly spray bottle... even with a cotton rope I got burned . I did not let go, put him in the round pen , and tried to get him to accept the spray on his feet... this ended up being a battle, and in the end I punished him with laps in the round pen. I am not happy with the way I handled this problem... but with this stupid horse the soft natural slow way doesnt work with him, he just runs , kicks and isdisrespectful. also gives a double kick when you make him trot in the round pen. This "taking off" thing is very rude , and I want it to STOP...what do I do? does anyone else agree that this is unacceptable , and rude?

 

[txminipinto]

It's not only unacceptable and rude, it's dangerous. My first and foremost advice is to never try to have this horse accept a new item by holding him in hand. You are not physically strong enough to keep him facing the object and you are only going to get hurt. Every time he gets loose (be it in a field or in a round pen) and "escapes" a scary object YOU are actually re-enforcing that it's ok to run. My advice, and this is how I handle this situation, is to outfit him in heavy sturdy halter, with a heavy sturdy lead rope (and a very heavy snap), and tie him to a very big and heavy tree.

In the case of a spray bottle, I would walk up to him and calmly show it to him. Don't make a big deal out of it, but praise him for looking, sniffing, and standing near it. If he immediately balks, sets back, tries to run, etc. you have to stay where he can see it, until he stops trying to escape it and then PRAISE HIM for stopping the panic. It just like trying to get them to accept a bath, you keep spraying them with water until they are used to it. Eventually, if you take baby steps (see, snif, rub on the body, spray, etc), he will learn to accept it as long as you don't react to his reacting.

I would also always use a stud chain on the halter with this horse. Once they figure out they can bolt and pull the rope out of your hands, they'll do it again. I would use a stud chain, walk between his head and shoulder, and don't give him an inch. Worst case scenario, if the bolting becomes a serious issue, I would use a lip chain and have a very experienced handler show you the correct way to apply it.

 

[Rebecca]

There are a few ways you could approach this. Clicker training is one method that I highly recommend, my horses have overcome numerous fears with help from this. The click and treat is a reward for things, and when he approaches the spray bottle, for instance, he gets a click, which is an encouraging reward. From there ask him to touch the bottle, and click. Then you can work up to spraying him. I ask my horses to approach and touch scary new things and figure them out for themselves. Patience, time, and reassurance are key. I'd be happy to help you out with clicker training or answer any questions you might have.

You could also try showing him the spray bottle when he is off lead in his stall. You could even leave the object in the stall while he's supervised so that he figures out that it's not so scary and won't hurt him. Later when he seems comfortable around the spray bottle, spray it away from him until he's comfortable with that. And then give him a little squirt on the shoulder or side and praise him, tell him he's alright, etc.

Also, chasing him away in the round pen only makes his fleeing behavior worse. He was scared of the spray, and was fighting, then was chased and punished. I know how frustrating training can be, but you must realize that punishing him won't get either of you anywhere and will make both of you more upset. Remember to take a deep breath and walk away if you are started to feel annoyed or frustrated. And also, take baby steps.

Good luck!

Rebecca

 

[The Simple Life Farm]

I second what Carin said. I had a mini that was scared to death of the fly spray, and I did exactly what Carin advised you, and now he stands loose and lets me spray him. Patience is key, as it won't happen overnight. Good luck in your newest obstacle.

 

[krissy3]

Thanks everyone ....I know what I did was horrible , I handled it badly , and I dont have what it takes to do this sort of training alone. He is too strong , and I am too "afraid"... I am going to look for a professional trainer to take him for a few months if so , and will learn how to handle him, with a trainers help. I have never had such a horrible little beast, the girls are fine, I can train with the method above ... but this little monster is going to hurt me.

 

[muffntuf]

Ditto on Carin's advice. But I would also add, throw a couple old brushes and spray bottles in his stall with him and let him play with them at his own pace.

Put a stud chain on his chin when you work with him now - as he has learned he can get away from you.

 

[MiLo Minis]

Thanks everyone ....I know what I did was horrible , I handled it badly , and I dont have what it takes to do this sort of training alone. He is too strong , and I am too "afraid"... I am going to look for a professional trainer to take him for a few months if so , and will learn how to handle him, with a trainers help. I have never had such a horrible little beast, the girls are fine, I can train with the method above ... but this little monster is going to hurt me.

I was going to come on here and recommend you do exactly this. Kudos to you for recognizing that you are in over your head and could use some good professional help before you or your horse gets hurt! I wouldn't call your horse a "horrible little beast" though

just a smart enough one to know what he can and can't get away with. I bet once you have in hand you will come to love him the most.

 

[krissy3]

I found a trainer yesterday , and had a look at his place...He said the same thing , after he gets over this , I will end up loving him. I sure hope he is right. I hope one day he will allow me to make a fuss over him , and show him off.