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Date Posted: 15:44:08 01/14/08 Mon
Author: Kelsey
Subject: Halters & Disrespect
In reply to: Denise 's message, "Walking in Hand Question for Helen" on 11:41:45 01/05/08 Sat

From what you are describing, it is definately a respect issue. Any horse that invades your personal space is being disrespectful, and it is a sign your horse does not consider you alpha, and that you are not worth paying attention to. That is not to say he is being mean... many horses are just ditzy or mischevious and decide to forget that you are there. However, from your description, he is simply being a bad boy. Striking out is not a fear reaction, it is dangerous, and it is -never- acceptable. Also, when you mention his laziness under saddle...that is probably another manifestation of disrespect. He's not bothering to give his all to a ride, because he feels he doesn't have to.

In my opinion you need to to have an experienced horseperson, either a trainer or just a good friend who has experience, give you some tips as you are working with your horse on the ground. Specialty halters are well and good, but are basically some variation on they cheaper chain-over-the-nose, and neither method is going to do you a whit of good without some one-on-one instruction. The benefit of having someone there to give you tips, is that you can get live feedback....and thus confidence that you know what you are doing.. which is the number one ingredient to groundwork.

If you are not confident, your horse senses it and knows what he can get away with. If you don't have access to anyone to give you tips, I would practice working with him in hand in his comfort zone first. Make sure he listens to you 110%. Make him stop exactly when you say, and walk-off exactly when you say. Make him back up three or four steps. If he doesn't listen...get mad at him! A lead horse does not ask more than once for a another horse to move out of it's way...neither should you. If he doesn't listen to you by the second time you ask...give him a quick snap on the lead shank or chain, or a smack with your whip or lead rope...and accompany it with some sort of loud sound of dissaproval. Let him know that he HAS to pay attention to you NOW....OR ELSE. Work on these type of exercises until he knows to pay close attention to your every move. And work on your confidence... don't let yourself doubt, and try to put aside your fear and take the offensive. When he doesn't listen, get loud and step in to his space...get in his face, and let him know it. Once he is soo attuned to you that he stops and backs up the moment you ask...start moving out of the comfort area...and keep the same standards that you had within it.

It may be somewhat uncomfortable at first and you may feel guilty and harsh..but it really isn't, when you compare yourself to what an actual lead-mare does to keep the herd in line. Really what you are doing is a game of bluff. There is no way you can beat up your 1000 lb horse...but you need to make him believe that you could if you wanted to, by blowing yourself up, stepping towards him, making loud noises. The point of including a loud noise with each correction is so that eventually, when he respects you, all you need to do is make the noise and maybe wiggle the lead rope, and he will pay attention and reconsider his action.

Anyway, I know from personal experience it is very difficult to get used to this and grow enough confidence to really make a difference, and sometimes, depending on the horse, this process can be dangerous. But you have to work through it no matter what, which is why I suggest having someone else around to help you out, give you pointers and make sure you and the horse are safe and aren't going to do each other any harm.


Well, that's just my opinion in anycase, and whatever you decide to do, good luck with him, and stay safe!

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