Omarkiam
Well-Known Member
As some of you may know I have posted up before regarding my new Cob x Arab gelding, Omarkiam.
I had been having problems with his groundwork, manners and being ridden he was bucking etc etc.
He is now brilliant on the ground, he has a few headthrowing moments but thats all, other than that he now leads in everytime from his field, and is perfect to be groomed, no fidgeting, no headtossing or barging!
However, I need help with a pre-existing problem that he had when he came to me, but I didn't realise just how bad it was...
His fear of pigs!!!
I went on a hack out with a friend today and he loved it, all the way there he was brilliant, until my friends spotted pigs up ahead in a field, he could not see them, but as soon as he smelt them he went crazy, was refusing to move forwards, was backing up , trying to turn, and if I turned him round he would attempt to half-bolt, he wouldnt canter, he would just trot as fast as possible in opposite direction, and would snort like an arab the whole time! If I held him back he would listen but would start this headthrowing, throwing his head up and down as hard as he can, making it very difficult to hold onto the reins. At this stage I got off, to walk him him to the pigs and see there was nothing about these animals that could possibly harm him, but he refused to budge and dragged me in the opposite direction. I could not mount him again because I couldnt find anything suitable, as he doesnt stand still easily when wound up obviousley! He was then okay to ride back but was very headstrong and wanted to go go go.
Just wondering if anybody has any suggestions because there is pigs down every single road you turn down where he is kept, so cannot avoid them, but there are none of the farm that I can show him, to get him used to them. So a bit confused as to what I should do!!
I had been having problems with his groundwork, manners and being ridden he was bucking etc etc.
He is now brilliant on the ground, he has a few headthrowing moments but thats all, other than that he now leads in everytime from his field, and is perfect to be groomed, no fidgeting, no headtossing or barging!
However, I need help with a pre-existing problem that he had when he came to me, but I didn't realise just how bad it was...
His fear of pigs!!!
I went on a hack out with a friend today and he loved it, all the way there he was brilliant, until my friends spotted pigs up ahead in a field, he could not see them, but as soon as he smelt them he went crazy, was refusing to move forwards, was backing up , trying to turn, and if I turned him round he would attempt to half-bolt, he wouldnt canter, he would just trot as fast as possible in opposite direction, and would snort like an arab the whole time! If I held him back he would listen but would start this headthrowing, throwing his head up and down as hard as he can, making it very difficult to hold onto the reins. At this stage I got off, to walk him him to the pigs and see there was nothing about these animals that could possibly harm him, but he refused to budge and dragged me in the opposite direction. I could not mount him again because I couldnt find anything suitable, as he doesnt stand still easily when wound up obviousley! He was then okay to ride back but was very headstrong and wanted to go go go.
Just wondering if anybody has any suggestions because there is pigs down every single road you turn down where he is kept, so cannot avoid them, but there are none of the farm that I can show him, to get him used to them. So a bit confused as to what I should do!!