Behavioural Problems - horse communicators or other suggestions?

miskettie

miskettie

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I am very much much of the party don't knock it till you try it...and if it works don't question whether it is mumbo jumbo or not.

I bought Enys six months ago now (:eek:) and (as you probably all know and are bored of me telling you) he was in a horsebox accident when we were bringing him home. When we got him back from the vets he was incredibly grumpy, biting and kicking. We put it down to the pain he was in. My vet came (who was the same that vetted him) and couldn't believe he was the same horse, that had been so lovely before.

Anyway three months after I got him I got an intellengent horsemanship lady out to help with his biting and also to load him again for the first time. Of course he didn't bite at all while she was there but she did help showing me how to handle him if he did bite. He got better after this but partly because he was then turned out 24/7.

Now he is all healed and has no excuse for grumpiness...Teeth, back, saddle etc are all fine. He's a star to ride and has absolutley no grumpiness when ridden.

However his behaviour has been worse this last month and this morning he bit me...Not a nip, as through a thick jumper he broke the skin - most of the time I can avoid his teeth but it was so unexpected this morn, was only putting on his fly mask that I do every day!

Alot of the time he looks like an angel, ears forward, really friendly looking but just every now and then he just goes for me. Not at any particular time or reason. He is amazing with the other horses and very much bottom of the pile. He isn't dominant. I just don't understand!!! I can just about cope but if he did it to someone else in the yard I would never forgive myself.

So after that very longwinded message - I was wondering if people think getting out a horse communicator would help, maybe they can guage something that I can't (even if it is mumbo jumbo they must be quite intuitive people)? If you think it would help do you know one in the South East (not a picture one, I am willing to believe that they can communicate with horses face to face but don't believe they can do it through a picture).

Or any other suggestions? I just want to be able to love my horse but how can I if he keeps going for me?
 
How old is he? If he's a youngster I would get the vet out again, have him do a full physical to rule out any more pain issues then chuck him out in a field full of grass and give him a good couple of months to chill, relax and regroup. Then start again when he's had a chance to recover from the stress of an accident and moving to a new home.

Afraid I'm not one for communictors (have used one for my dogs and she was excellent..I was testing her and she did tell me things no one would have known) but in this case I think its either pain related or quiet possibly that he was not his usual self when vetted???? Wouldn't be the first time someone has bought a horse that was ...cough...'quieter'??????;)
 
What are you doing when he bites you? If he was mine he would get a hard smack and told off ( worked for mine I'm afraid) i'm not against animal communicators in fact iv had a couple off good Reading but in this case I would look into how you are dealing with his behaviour. Sorry I think you may just need to be firmer with him
 
well, i know it's utterly crazy but i tried a horse communicator for a mare i was utterly at my wit's end with, and was very impressed. i've since had all of mine read and a lot of the stuff that was said was spookily accurate.
also, you have nothing to lose, because the good ones will give you a full refund if what they say is totally inaccurate and makes no sense.
personally i'd splash £35 just not to get bitten hard again, ouch, poor you.

btw, i agree with thatsmygirl, if one bites me it gets an immediate hard slap across the muzzle. my horses don't bite. stuff that, it's dangerous.
 
Thanks everyone. He is a 5 year old ISH imported from Ireland and bought by me from a reputable dealer, so I have no idea about his past life. I am pretty certain he wasn't 'quieter' when I bought him as I turned up 2 hours earlier to see him and I didn't tell them. On HHO I have never heard a bad word against the dealer, which is quite rare in that business.

As for giving him a whack - I have done this (as it would be how I would normally deal with it) but as soon as you tell him off, even verbally, he turns into devil horse and really lunges for you. I have been firm with him - then i've tried the horsemanship way which is to reverse him, which works to the point that he doesn't turn evil on me but doesn't stop him doing again in the future. I am all for disciplining horses (as long as not excessive!) but if it results in me getting injured then i'd rather not!

There just seems to be no reason for it. I don't think there is much point stopping riding him as he is happiest when ridden.

Some days he is good and I can stroke him and other days he is a git but as sweet as pie inbetween.

I honestly think it is psycological...Maybe from his past. Oh I don't know, it's frustrating!
 
How about trying a herbal calmer? Bit of a loss really cos I don't see what a communicator will be able to tell you, sounds like he's just a bit of a s*d...
 
I have often found that the most dominant and aggressive horses with humans are the ones at the bottom of the pecking order in their herd. It is as though they are trying to dominate people because they are so down trodden as horses. Is he being bullied in the herd? Could he be unhappy with one or more of the other horses? I would try him with just one other horse for a while and see if it has any effect. As for animal communicators, yes, I would use one myself if I could get it past my hubby's regular audit of our accounts!
 
Now he is all healed and has no excuse for grumpiness ...

(sorry, am trying to reply with quote but the blimmin technology won't work!!!)

You say he is "all healed and has no excuse for grumpiness", but I wonder really what's going on for him at the mo .... I think he may still be very traumatised from the accident and its being expressed in all sorts of ways.

To horses/animals in general, passing of time means nothing if the residual memory is still there, which I would suggest is the case with yours.

I think there may be some value in getting a communicator, however be aware that with some of them its a case of throwing good money after bad, unfortunately, and you've often just gotta get on with the horse you've got, kind of thing, rather than spend money on people who might just be a waste of time, tho' there are some very good ones about if you know who to get. OR you could get someone who's a total charlatan and will waste your money.

I'd be inclined to ask you IH practitioner if they can recommend anyone, and ask around generally with horsey people you know .... I had a friend who had Julie Dicker (wrote a book, but now deceased, bless her) and she told her all sorts of stuff about her horses that she couldn't possibly have known otherwise, and both the friend and me were total cynics until then.
 
Wagtail said:
I have often found that the most dominant and aggressive horses with humans are the ones at the bottom of the pecking order in their herd. It is as though they are trying to dominate people because they are so down trodden as horses. Is he being bullied in the herd? Could he be unhappy with one or more of the other horses? I would try him with just one other horse for a while and see if it has any effect. As for animal communicators, yes, I would use one myself if I could get it past my hubby's regular audit of our accounts!
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There are two mares out in the field with him, one is definetly the alpha and the other is on equal footing as he is (both mares are about 12yrs). I would not say he is protecting them, as it just doesn't feel like that...and also it's not only in the field he does it but when he's in stable or tied up outside.

Sometimes our little three pony geldings go out with him and the mares, he doesn't change behaviour at all. He isn't bullied and it is a pretty happy herd - with the alpha keeping them in check. He never goes for one of the other horses.

I was just wondering whether an animal communicator might have new insight into it.

He is a really laid back horse and never puts any more effort into things if he doesn't have to. So I don't really want to put him on a calmer...though could do herbal but not sure I can pinpoint what exactly is the matter.
 
MiJodsR2BlinkinTite said:
Now he is all healed and has no excuse for grumpiness ...

(sorry, am trying to reply with quote but the blimmin technology won't work!!!)

You say he is "all healed and has no excuse for grumpiness", but I wonder really what's going on for him at the mo .... I think he may still be very traumatised from the accident and its being expressed in all sorts of ways.

To horses/animals in general, passing of time means nothing if the residual memory is still there, which I would suggest is the case with yours.

I think there may be some value in getting a communicator, however be aware that with some of them its a case of throwing good money after bad, unfortunately, and you've often just gotta get on with the horse you've got, kind of thing, rather than spend money on people who might just be a waste of time, tho' there are some very good ones about if you know who to get. OR you could get someone who's a total charlatan and will waste your money.

I'd be inclined to ask you IH practitioner if they can recommend anyone, and ask around generally with horsey people you know .... I had a friend who had Julie Dicker (wrote a book, but now deceased, bless her) and she told her all sorts of stuff about her horses that she couldn't possibly have known otherwise, and both the friend and me were total cynics until then.
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Thank you :) - Ok when I say healed I mean physically - I know psycologically (sp?) he isn't (who could after such a trauma...I'm certainly not!), which is why I thought a communicator might help...as I don't know how to help him psycologically except by just time and trying to love him...and make him happy. But although I am willing to do this I just would rather stay in one piece while doing it. I know there is not a quick fix but if communicators can do what they say they can do then they can at least try and tell him that I do not wish him harm (I know that is not exactly how it works but you get my gist).
 
I have used Anne Towill for the communications and she was fantasic with my horse. Her website is energywhispers.co.uk. I just got a distance reading done. It cost £25. Anne is the most helpful person if you ring up and want to discuss anything. There was a couple of things that didnt make sense in my reading/ didnt seem to relate to my horse and Anne went back and did another 'talk' with my horse for free so I could get to the bottom of the issue. I dont no and cant work out how she does it but whatever she did it worked!
 
Or as your boy is only 5, it could honestly just be a case of the kevins and him finding his feet. I also bought a 5 year old recently (end of March) and he passed his vetting with flying colours. He is fundamentally a really kind horse but he does try his luck and this week, he is trying to nip and bite. He is a quick learner so I am appreciate we are just running through his reportoire of tricks!. At the moment, any attempt at nipping or biting brings a swift retribution but all the staff at my yard are experienced with youngsters and just take it in their stride. To date we had cow kicking (pretty much stopped now), mowing down when coming out of the field (stopped), knocking into you (again, pretty much stopped). I accept it as part and parcel of a young horse feeling good and beginning to settle down into his new life. I also accept that, having come over from Ireland to a dealers (and in his case via the sales) means that he is going to be a little stressy about new things. I did take advice from someone elses post in that I have (and am still) putting time into Billy being 100% on voice commands which has helped. I don't want this post to read as if I have a problem horse as I don't. He has taken a lot in his stride, been out in my trailer and the lorry, been out on training and is pushing on with his schooling and just keeps getting better. He was also a superstar when I took him out XC schooling for the first time and put the biggest smile on my face. Mine is also very affectionate and enjoys his cuddles but I did expect him to try his luck and am not worried about it. It just all takes longer - longer to tack him, longer to boot up (hard when a big horse keeps wanting to put his head down to check what you are doing). In my case, my boy has just measured in at 17.1 (he is very very short coupled!) so there is nothing field wise that can put him in his place - just us people on the ground! We have a lot of youngsters in at the moment (2 x 3 year olds, 3 x 4 year old and 4 x 5 year olds) - and there is only ONE!!! horse who isn't trying his luck in some way shape or form and thats because he was obviously born a complete gentleman!
 
If I was in England I would definately get a communicator out to see my horse, not for any particular reason, but just because I would find it interesting. Unfortunately there isn't anyone in my area so can't do it.
 
On the communicator side off things I had my readings done by photo and she told me things she could never have known. She won't do it on the yard as she says she finds other horses want to talk and things get confusing.
Funny thing is I sold a mare to a communacator and when she came to our yard to view her she was drawn to a mare stabled across the other way and said she wants to talk ( at this point I thought she was nuts) I knew that horses past, which had been awful and was shocked when she was spot on with everything that was said. It can work and I do have a Reading on all mine carried out
 
thatsmygirl said:
On the communicator side off things I had my readings done by photo and she told me things she could never have known. She won't do it on the yard as she says she finds other horses want to talk and things get confusing.
Funny thing is I sold a mare to a communacator and when she came to our yard to view her she was drawn to a mare stabled across the other way and said she wants to talk ( at this point I thought she was nuts) I knew that horses past, which had been awful and was shocked when she was spot on with everything that was said. It can work and I do have a Reading on all mine carried out
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Could you let me know the name of your communicator please? Thanks
 
Luci07 - It could be that he is going through his teenage period, I had thought this. Though this is only bad thing he does...He doesn't try it on in any other way. To be ridden he is well behaved (though obviously has a few baby moments!).

-

Horse communicator wise I am willing to believe in miracles that people can talk to animals but reading a photo would require that extra bit of belief that I don't think I can believe until I see a horse communicator in action. Odd of me I know :).

I think I may as well give a communicator a go...the worst that could happen is I pay them £50 for a evaluation of my horse from another persons point of view. Just need to find one though.
 
I had the most beautiful ISH on loan to me a few years back. He bit and kicked for the first couple of weeks. Farrier refused to handle him and saddler never moved so quickly!
I loved that horse more than any other horse I've ever known and he knew it.
He was just really insecure and defensive.
I always have an elbow out automatically when tacking etc. So when he collided with it, it was his fault not mine. Never ever hit him in the face, he'll link that to you and won't be happy. I tied him in a headcollar and worked round him really slowly and deliberately. Every time he swung I held the headcollar and gently pushed his head back. Repetition is the key here, as long as it takes.
I hope I'm explaining myself clearly, I still handle biters now but I watch for cues the whole time. He needs to feel secure.:)
 
We have a mare that challenges human authority - ie, bites if she thinks she can get away with it. We've had her 8 years and she had never connected with me until one night last winter, I was putting up her haynet and she really got me.

I managed not to belt her, which is pretty instinctive, but I yelled very loudly, waved my arms at her and put her to the back of her box. I made her stand there for maybe ten minutes, yelling at her (didn't have to pretend to be angry!) every time she tried to go towards her hay.

She has had a lot of respect for me ever since.
 
Fellewell - I could understand Enys biting and kicking to begin with but not now. I am able to avoid the biting by sticking my elbow out etc and being particularly careful but he is quick, biting at unexpected moments. I have done the pushing his head away and making him aware of my space. I just worry that one day he is going to do it to someone else who doesn't know his ways.

intouch said:
We have a mare that challenges human authority - ie, bites if she thinks she can get away with it. We've had her 8 years and she had never connected with me until one night last winter, I was putting up her haynet and she really got me.

I managed not to belt her, which is pretty instinctive, but I yelled very loudly, waved my arms at her and put her to the back of her box. I made her stand there for maybe ten minutes, yelling at her (didn't have to pretend to be angry!) every time she tried to go towards her hay.

She has had a lot of respect for me ever since.
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He doesn't particularly challenge my authority and I don't want to loose my rag unless we have a nice wall inbetween us :D.


At a point I thought that it was perhaps he just hated me but he does do it with others, it is just because I handle him the most that I get the brunt of it.
 
If he is biting, he is challenging your authority, and if you need a wall between you, then get someone to help you to manage him without you getting really hurt.
 
I know you said you got your horse through a dealer (I suspect possibly the same one I got my lovely boy from). However, I managed to find out my boys history from the previous owner named on his passport - I just wrote them a letter and they got in touch. Have you tried this? Or have you asked the dealer where they got him from? I think they have regular 'suppliers' and perhaps they may be able to get some history.
Sounds like you are doing a great job with your horse. Hopefully one day soon things will just 'click' with him and he will realise he gets no where trying to test you out. Would love to hear how you get on with a communicator.
 
From what you say he's good under saddle and not aggressive towards other horses (can I have him!) He didn't try to bite the trainer you got in and I'll bet you were a lot more relaxed when they were there.
All I would add is give him a job to do. Is he better when you've ridden him? As for other people; if they haven't come across a nipper before they shouldn't be handling your horse. Horses behave like horses don't they? Good luck and next year you'll look back on this and laugh, 'cos it happens to us all, sooner or later:)
 
intouch said:
If he is biting, he is challenging your authority, and if you need a wall between you, then get someone to help you to manage him without you getting really hurt.
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I only meant I needed the wall if I gave him a thorough telling off :o as that is when he becomes really nasty...If I just reverse him he's fine about it. But yes you are right I suppose he is challenging my authority in that way. I have the horsemanship lady out and she showed me how to handle him, which I have continued to do.

Sorry I am such a moaner! He is an amazing horse, I just want us to get along :o


CeeBee - probably I think quite a few horses on here are from hers. She told me where he was broken in (her normal supplier) I have his address on Enys' passport and I also have his breeders address on there. I did think about sending the breeder a letter. Thanks
 
Fellewell said:
From what you say he's good under saddle and not aggressive towards other horses (can I have him!) He didn't try to bite the trainer you got in and I'll bet you were a lot more relaxed when they were there.
All I would add is give him a job to do. Is he better when you've ridden him? As for other people; if they haven't come across a nipper before they shouldn't be handling your horse. Horses behave like horses don't they? Good luck and next year you'll look back on this and laugh, 'cos it happens to us all, sooner or later:)
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Thanks :) - and no you can't have him (lol!) I haven't given up on him yet and I think he may be a horse that takes me far if we last it out together. He is a tad better after being ridden, he is quite clever in a lazy kind of way.

It usually only me or my mum that handle him - it is just that the other liveries poo-pick in the field that he is in.

I hope i do think that next year :D
 
I would definitely get your IH person out again for two reasons:
1. there may be more going than meets the eye, that they are trained to spot
2. although she has showed you how to handle your horse in that situation, there are probably some little details that you haven't remembered which make a huge difference - especially with a 5yo having Kevin tendencies!

There is so much in the detail of these methods, tiny things can make a big difference. So do get her out again, it will be well worth it.

HV x
 
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