BAD behaviour when being led...

[chestnuttyy]

Hi all,

Hoping for some advice on tackling some naughty behaviour...

My 6yr old TB used to lead out to the field and back in like an angel, however he has recently starting jogging, pushing me sideways, rearing, bucking and generally being a complete pain, he is worse going out on a morning than coming back in. It is worth noting that he had to be stabled for 3 months due to a medical condition () but he has been back out for a little while now so I would have thought the novelty would have worn off a bit. He's only fed chaff (+ supps) and lots of hay, so I doubt it's linked to diet (most feeds = even more loopy behaviour).

I'm putting his behaviour down to excitement but would really appreciate some advice on the best way to move forward/ any experiences others have had. I was also thinking of trying an eskadron control halter if anyone has had any experiences of them?

Thanks

 

[JustKickOn]

A friend of mine had a pony who did this after a period of box rest.
When he starts misbehaving when you lead him out, turn him back towards where you have come from (presumably the stable) and keep going till he behaves. When he does as he is asked, go towards the field again. Repeat as required. It takes time and patience, but hopefully you will be the one to win in the end. Good luck, I hope your boy starts behaving soon!

 

[cremedemonthe]

Several of my customers have used a kemp controller with success, they can be found at

kempcontroller.com

 

[kylee86]

cant answer why hes doing this but my colts field friend also used to be a nightmare to lead hed drag his 13yr old handler round like a rag doll. when they went away i started working with him as i had to lead him and my 8month old colt in and out the stable every day. i used to loop the the lead rope over his nose below headcollar. it gave me more control. when he pulled or reared i gave him a slight tug. i did this for 3 days and now hes no problem i lead him and my colt together and have my 3 yr old daughter holding my hand. please if you do this dont yank him as you will damage his nose just a tug will do the job

 

[LaurenBay]

I might get shot down for this. But a chifney. Only for a short time. It will help you get back your control.

 

[kajabe]

My mare used to mis behave a lot like this. That was until I got her a Monty Roberts Dually Halter. They are absolutely swear by these and would be lost without mine! here is a link to them:
http://www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk/monty-roberts-dually-halters-p42.html
They are quite expensive but you can get them cheaper second hand.

Hope this helps x

 

[Puzzles]

A friend of mine had a pony who did this after a period of box rest.
When he starts misbehaving when you lead him out, turn him back towards where you have come from (presumably the stable) and keep going till he behaves. When he does as he is asked, go towards the field again. Repeat as required. It takes time and patience, but hopefully you will be the one to win in the end. Good luck, I hope your boy starts behaving soon!

I agree with this

 

[chestnuttyy]

Thanks for your suggestions . I don't think he would cope very well with a Chiffney as he has an extremely sensitive mouth and stresses if he has anything harsher than his 'happy mouth' in. I try and circle him every time he misbehaves but I hadn't thought of actually turning back until he settles so I'll give this a try (will mean getting up EVEN earlier before work lol).

I have heard good things about the Monty Roberts halters, I might see if I can borrow one and see if it helps .

 

[kylee86]

I agree with this

it made my life much easier and the horses as people were getting so fustrated with him. so hes much happier now hes like a dope on the rope

 

[chestnuttyy]

will defo try that, patience is a virtue and all that... Definitely need to do something anyway as I ended up getting booted this morning

 

[jeeve]

I went to an interesting clinic yesterday on the way horses learn. Basically it said that what we perceive as bad behaviour, are just mostly learned responses.

This makes any behaviour issue easy to fix when you consider it along these lines.

The fellow's name was Andrew Mclean, he has a website AEBC, and is working with police forces and dressage organisations around the world, he has two excellent books which I would recomend. One of these books is written in a lesson format so that you can basically teach your self from the book.I understand Andrew is working with the BHS as well.

He has a PHD in horse behaviour, but it was only when he accidently started studying horses together with learning theory that everything fell into place.

 

[aran]

Be careful if he's leaping about if you try to turning method - it can get dangerous!
I tried this tact when my TB was starting turnout post box rest following hock surgery.
He used to a lamb but for a couple of weeks after box rest got quite scary - rearing, bucking, legs everywhere!
Turning was the really dodgy bit. He learnt to be very good turned away from the field and then as I turned him back would totally explode. I'd never been weary of him before - he'd never barge me etc but during this period he was so over the top he wasnt thinking where I was
I found a halter good and then rather than circling or turning around i'd back up and walk on
Wear a hat, boots and gloves if he's rearing or bucking - be safe!

 

[padderpaws]

Same problem myself. Have a dually but made no difference to my horse (though I was probably not that good with it) anyway, YM put stallion chain on and every time he tried to rear and strike she would back him up and back him up and then more backing up. Note she had a 12ft line on the chain. She did this every day for about a week and now he is a real darling for her. She has to teach me how to do it now. Good, competent handling.

 

[Carlosmum]

Wear a hat, boots and gloves if he's rearing or bucking - be safe!

^^^^ agree strongly & add your body protector too. I got kicked in the ribs by my youngster a few weeks ago when bringing him in. He got ahead of me. Painful lesson learned & now he is lead out/in in a dually halter & while the ribs healed I wore my BP. Have to admit not atm but the dually has the desired control.

 

[debsg]

Another vote for the Dually I have them for both of mine (young TB, bit silly now and then and bargy cob who is built like a Sherman tank ;D ) and they really do work.