3 Year old behaviour

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Maisy

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I have a 3 year old, who i backed earlier on this year. He has been 'turned away' since the end of July. Whilst I was backing him, he seemed to really thrive on working, albeit once or twice a week.

This last week, all of my horses have been coming in at night....which he *loves*!

My problem is that he seems to be *so* excited to come in that he bucks/rodeos/kicks out whilst I am leading him through the field! He seems to stop once we get to the road....

It isnt really a problem, (apart from me having my heart in my mouth in case he bowls me over!), and I am trying to write it off to high jinx/excitement.....but is this all it is!?

The last thing I want to do is ignore it if it might be a problem!

He had a thermal image scan done on Saturday, which only showed a tight muscle in his hind quarters (the scan was done as a friend was having one done, not because I was overly worried!)

I just want to check that this is 'normal' behaviour!? I am thinking I may need to bring him in earlier, as he is obviously far too happy indoors!!...or should I start to work him again!?

Any advice/experiences welcome!
 
sounds like high jinks to me, not pain, but i would get on top of it asap as it isn't acceptable in hand.

depending on how you usually discipline him, a sharp word and backing him up a few strides when he decides on 'airs above the ground' should help.

i presume you are leading him with a lunge line or similar to keep yourself out of danger/ stop him getting away?

i am sure he will settle in a few days- babies can find the most simple of things very exciting if they want to!!
my 4yro is off work at the moment and has decided to get very silly when the other horses are going out- he is totally ignored until he stops stropping!
 
Its probably the sugar in the grass kicking in for autumn, and him looking forward to his tea. Ours do the grand national to get to the gate first this week too! On a serious note, a three year old has to learn to lead like an adult - he could hurt you or someone else like this. Each time he starts broncoing etc. stop and stand, and make him stand still until he realises that he is not going anywhere until he is calm. This can take ages. Also, you could make him walk up and down the field until he is bored. I had to do this with my husband's 17h youngster. It took ages, but better to get him walking quietly now than wait until there's ice on the ground! Wear your hat too. A highly qualified instructor near here was killed from a kick to the head by a highly strung youngster leading to the field... Don't worry or let it become an issue. It is normal, but he's got to learn that its not acceptable!
 
millitiger said:
depending on how you usually discipline him, a sharp word and backing him up a few strides when he decides on 'airs above the ground' should help.

i presume you are leading him with a lunge line or similar to keep yourself out of danger/ stop him getting away?
Click to expand...

I have been telling him off and putting pressure on the headcollar and shouting at him to tell him off....he only does it 3/4 times within the space of 50 metres!

I have only been bringing him in with a leadrope.....I can see what you mean about the lunge line....perhaps I should try that....though I never feel like he will get away iykwim....he just stands still and chucks both legs up!!

I did think about a pressure halter.....?
 
Personally I prefer to be near to a kicking horse - at the end of a lunge line you are in kicking range, while close to he can't get as much force.. - a friend got her arm broken trying to walk her bad mannered horse after box rest like that. (sound like I know some really unlucky people don't I!)
 
TBH, I'm not overly worried about him doing it (till tomorrow when I am posting about a foot in the head or something!!), I was just concerned about WHY he was doing it! As long as the general thoughts is that he is being an ar5e I will continue to tell him off, and (when it isnt so windy) I will walk him up and down the field to make him bored....

Thinking about it, he doesnt do it in the mornings on the way out! The field cant be that exciting!!
 
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