Comments - Training a Stubborn Horse! - Barnmice Equestrian Social Community2024-03-28T11:04:46Zhttp://www.barnmice.com/profiles/comment/feed?attachedTo=1773158%3ABlogPost%3A322359&xn_auth=noThanks for your question Meli…tag:www.barnmice.com,2011-01-26:1773158:Comment:3390462011-01-26T05:08:40.583ZVicki Holmeshttp://www.barnmice.com/profile/VickiHolmes
<p>Thanks for your question Melissa. I have had the same problem with my Fjord off and on. She is a very intelligent horse, a real thinker and has a lot of self esteem. So, I have to always be one step ahead of her in terms of what's happening in our relationship. If I used too much pressure, she would literally dig her heels in. It's not easy to move a Fjord when they've decided not to move. Also, I don't have a lot of experience with horses and safety is my priority.She also doesn't have a…</p>
<p>Thanks for your question Melissa. I have had the same problem with my Fjord off and on. She is a very intelligent horse, a real thinker and has a lot of self esteem. So, I have to always be one step ahead of her in terms of what's happening in our relationship. If I used too much pressure, she would literally dig her heels in. It's not easy to move a Fjord when they've decided not to move. Also, I don't have a lot of experience with horses and safety is my priority.She also doesn't have a lot of professional training. I've read Carolyn's book and watched her DVD on the Waterhole Rituals. I found them extremely helpful. My Fjord and I have started from the beginning. For the past 2 months all I do is sit with her, let her come to me and if she gets to pushy I ask her to move her away. I try to follow Carolyn's method. It has made a difference. She is softer now, in terms of our relationship. And I no longer feel as if there's going to be an argument. She seems interested in me and what I'm asking her. I plan to continue going slowly with her because I am really enjoying the beginnings of our connection and trust. I have confidence that it will make a difference in the spring when we can ride. </p>
<p>Happy Trails, Vicki</p> My horse is also a bit bossy…tag:www.barnmice.com,2011-01-21:1773158:Comment:3370512011-01-21T15:53:45.887ZMarlene Thomshttp://www.barnmice.com/profile/MarleneThoms
My horse is also a bit bossy if he has a chance. It is his natural tendency probably learned because it worked in the past. I've had him a year and I accept that is his way and I didn't want a doormat for a horse anyway. I also don't like to do a lot of on the ground work, but I do a lot of small things at liberty with him just normal handling so that he has to learn to put up with me. At some point you have to establish what you want, and what you will or will not put up with. I prefer to do…
My horse is also a bit bossy if he has a chance. It is his natural tendency probably learned because it worked in the past. I've had him a year and I accept that is his way and I didn't want a doormat for a horse anyway. I also don't like to do a lot of on the ground work, but I do a lot of small things at liberty with him just normal handling so that he has to learn to put up with me. At some point you have to establish what you want, and what you will or will not put up with. I prefer to do that riding, so I know I will occassionally eat dirt if I am not up to his standards as far as taking control. I also believe that getting too harsh with him would be counterproductive. Once he realizes I am ready physically and mentally to ride him, he settles down and we have great rides. Some days he just tests me for about thirty seconds, I am guessing it may be a little longer after his winter of mostly rest and relaxation. Then I will just ride him for a bit in his field before we hit the road. Maybe one day he will give up the little tests altogether. In the meantime I just have to accept that I cannot sleep while riding him. i really think you'll have to…tag:www.barnmice.com,2011-01-20:1773158:Comment:3372372011-01-20T07:21:25.740Zvickie lawsonhttp://www.barnmice.com/profile/vickielawson
<p>i really think you'll have to put the time and work into him in order to be able to safely enjoy him. if this is too much, maybe you need to have a serious think about why you wanted a horse in the first place. there are always other options to the owning route and if it's in the too hard basket, (for now), another solution might be the answer. if you decide you can make the committment to his training, then you need to sort out the ground work and don't let him boss you. here in nz, we use…</p>
<p>i really think you'll have to put the time and work into him in order to be able to safely enjoy him. if this is too much, maybe you need to have a serious think about why you wanted a horse in the first place. there are always other options to the owning route and if it's in the too hard basket, (for now), another solution might be the answer. if you decide you can make the committment to his training, then you need to sort out the ground work and don't let him boss you. here in nz, we use rope halters (sort of like natural horsemanship) which have pressure point knots. just a quick flick puts a horse in his place.</p>
<p>i agree with carolyn that they are looking for leadership. and without a strong leader the bossiness is actually a coping mechanism. as herd animals, they definitely need a leader, who is strong (mentally not necessarily physically- as who can be strong against a horse?) and consistent good luck!!</p>