Exploding Chestnuts
Well-Known Member
I have given her tips. I am now trying to make sure she does not get kicked.
Aggressive stable behaviour... Help!
- Thread starter BRM
- Start date
I have given her tips. I am now trying to make sure she does not get kicked.
Apercrumbie
Well-Known Member
OP this is sortable. One of the problems is that everyone has a different definition of 'be firm'. For some, this is yelling, whacking etc. For others, this is giving clear instructions in a confident manner and expecting to be listened to. What you need to aim for is the latter. Firstly, think of your safety. For the time being, always wear gloves, a hat and solid boots while handling. Even wear a body protector if it makes you feel confident. Think about your body language. Stand up straight with your head high, you don't need to have an aggressive body language, particularly in the stable where you might make him defensive, but equally you don't want to be passive. Many horses are bolshy in the stable - my theory is that being in such an enclosed space is stressful for a flight animal. Personally I would catch him by the door and do all grooming/tacking up outside. If this isn't an option, keep a hold of the lead rope so he can't swing his bum round. Don't spend ages messing around - just do the bare essentials and praise him when he's good. Far better that he behaves for 4 minutes and ends on a good note than behaves for 10 and then gets bolshy again. Do some research on pressure release so you can move him around easily. Definitely get an instructor too as they will be able to teach you some techniques.
fburton
Well-Known Member
What Apercrumbie wrote is hard to improve on.
I'm really not a fan of phrases like "be firm", "show him who's boss" or even "getting respect" and "leadership" because they mean different things to different people. Words like "clear", "consistent" and "confident"(?) are a bit more objective, in my opinion. Anyway, it is almost never necessary or desirable to act aggressively, to yell or whack, when handling horses - with the possible exception of emergencies where anything goes in order to keep yourself and others safe (although these will be vanishingly rare if one is careful and sensible).
I'm really not a fan of phrases like "be firm", "show him who's boss" or even "getting respect" and "leadership" because they mean different things to different people. Words like "clear", "consistent" and "confident"(?) are a bit more objective, in my opinion. Anyway, it is almost never necessary or desirable to act aggressively, to yell or whack, when handling horses - with the possible exception of emergencies where anything goes in order to keep yourself and others safe (although these will be vanishingly rare if one is careful and sensible).