Another catching post - please help

[browbrow]

I feel so sad for one of my friends at the mo who is having real trouble catching her horse - he is a 15 year old gelding - she has had him for ten years now and is at her wits end - if anyone could help or give some advice as the poor woman is broken over this

So here goes

My friend bought him ten years ago and kept him with one other mare on her own land at her home - she had never had any problems catching him back then - about five years ago she had to move from the house as she had split with OH and mare went to a retirement home and gelding went to a livery yard where she kept him on full livery - she had a few issues catching him but nothing huge. Last year she really starts to srtuggle catching him - he just will not come in over the summer period and this causes bother as he is awful to stable - gets really upset. there is obviously a link between the other horses being out as the times she has caught him its been because he is on his own.

I really could cry for my friend as she is heartbroken - hes been caught only three times in two weeks this past and shes at a complete loss - any advice will be greatfully recieved - he always has a field safe headcollar on and they dont just go up to ride him.

Now this year has gotten even worse - he will simply not be caught - they have tried - going up three - four times per day just to stroke him and give him a carrot so he doesnt associate being caught with work - he will not come near them still - going in to the paddock and poo picking - ignoring him and trying to sidle up to him - not working. Putting him in a small paddock on his own thats bare to he HAS to come to them for food - still not worked. Left him out on his own until all the other horses have gone in - not worked. the times that they have caught him which isnt alot - once caught hes fine but its just getting anywhere near him! hes had all his back and teeth checked so hes not in pain. bad weather - he doesnt care either.

Does anyone have any ideas to what they can do ? I was wondering if hes got to and age where he has had enough of riding and wants to retire? Hes had a fairly easy life competing at elementary dressage and hacking out - nothing major - yard is small. He has formed no special bonds with any horse - he is fairly low in the pecking order but not bullied by any means his mare he was with a few years ago wasnt too pally with him and he didnt seem to miss her - please help thanks so much and sorry for spelling xx

 

[apkelly01]

Here's a link to another post

http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/showflat.php?Number=3058174&page=1

 

[Coffee_Bean]

What does he do when you try and catch him? Walk away? Or turn on you?

Maybe put him in a small paddock, take a lunge whip in and simply make him trot/canter round the field until he eventually gets bored and gives in. You can usually tell when they will be caught, they'll stand and look at you with a grumpy face on. If he tries to kick out or turn on you he gets a small smack with the lunge whip. Likely after 5 mins he may give in. If its possible try putting him in a small round bare paddock, that way he might think he is on the lunge haha.

I can now catch my mare within 25 seconds this way, she is fine through winter, it is just with the spring grass atm.

I really feel for your friend, it's a horrible situation though mine has never been quite so bad luckily.