Advice on head shaking when turning out please

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Little Munchkin

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Hi all,

I'm seeking some advice - I have a new five year old gelding, he's only 12.2hh and very good in all respects, but when being turned out he will not stand still to have his head collar taken off, he shakes his head to the point where it is almost impossible to get it undone. He is not at all fussed about the head collar/bridle being taken off (or put on) at any other point so I assume it is just impatience. What is the best way to encourage him to stand still for those few seconds?!

Thank you in advance for your help.
 
I would only ever take it off when he is standing and waiting - you might have to allow plenty of time for the first few times, just hang in there. One well known trainer used to say "Never seen it take longer than two days" which kind of gives you a context :). And rather than let him dash off the instant he is loose, give him a carrot or other treat when he has allowed you to remove the headcollar. He will learn to focus on you and wait for it.
 
Thank you for your response. I am trying to hold on to him and then give him lots of praise when he keeps still, even if just for a second. I am worried about rewarding him with food as he is very nibbly. Hopefully we'll get there!
 
I would try and break the pattern. For example, instead of going to the field and turning him loose, lead him around the field for a bit, asking him to stop/go as directed (basic ground work), then let him go. He can learn that being led to the field does not automatically mean the headcollar comes off right away. Or when you catch him, turn around and lead him right back into the field and release him (then repeat). Hopefully, if he doesn't anticipate being turned loose, he'll behave better, giving you a chance to practice better behaviour (and to praise him for it).
The other thing you could try is to teach him an incompatible behaviour. For example, you could teach him to lower his head on cue (light pull downwards on the headcollar, or light pressure on the poll with hand) somewhere outside the field, where he is likely to listen and learn. Make sure you reward him for that behaviour (could be a scratch rather than treats, if you prefer). Once he has learned the head lowering, you could then ask him for it before you take his headcollar off. He can't do both at the same time - shake his head and lower it - and hopefully he'll choose to respond to the cue you taught him, because he knows he'll be rewarded for it.
 
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