Bringing horses in, help!

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emma.is

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When I bring my horse in from the field he plants his feet and doesn't want to move an inch.

He's not happy about coming in because they're on limited turnout.

Any tips on how to get him to walk forwards? I've been taking a spare lead rope with me and asking him to walk forwards twice and then a flick with the rope where my leg would be if I was riding.

Trying not to be too harsh because I know he's just a bit frustrated about being in more than he usually is :/
 
I'd use a rope training type halter and when he plants try to take him sideways instead to get him moving again but this is more something I'd do with babies who don't know how to lead.

Alternatively take a schooling whip with you and use it. He's taking the piss.
 
One of mine can get a bit like this, especially in the spring when the grass is coming through and doesn't want to go in to hay!! I use a schooling whip, just give a quick flick on back end - soon gets him moving! :)
 
LouS said:
I'd use a rope training type halter and when he plants try to take him sideways instead to get him moving again but this is more something I'd do with babies who don't know how to lead.

Alternatively take a schooling whip with you and use it. He's taking the piss.
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he is only a youngster who does know HOW to do things, just not properly. Slowly working though so this halter might work! Thank you :)
 
Mollie used to be like this. I found that making standing still uncomfortable for her did the trick! :D I would make her back up, or push her from side to side, really pester her, rather than asking her to go forward.

After a short while, she'd give a sigh and start to walk forwards. Anything was better than having to back up or roll from side to side!

It worked a treat but probably looked very weird to anyone watching. :D:D
 
My little colt has started this in the last few days - Going to the field and coming in.
I started just waiting for his to get bored and walk on, then when he stopped again I stood at his shoulder took a firm hold and said walk on. This morning whilst on route with water bucket to field he planted himself twice - I used the water bucket as my whip (it was empty) but he just ignores it.
So I'd like to here suggestions.

I know if I had polos or carrot he would move for food!
 
From experience - Take a whip! And use it! After a couple of smacks he will soon realise that it is easier to walk on when asked than to play silly buggers. :D
 
Thanks for all your suggestions! Gonna take my schooling whip down tomorrow and when he plants back him up and wave it in his face. Seemed to work well to stop him from barging me a few weeks ago :rolleyes:

Let you know how I get on :')
 
emma.is said:
Thanks for all your suggestions! Gonna take my schooling whip down tomorrow and when he plants back him up and wave it in his face. Seemed to work well to stop him from barging me a few weeks ago :rolleyes:

Let you know how I get on :')
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If he's young I would avoid doing that!! Use the whip where you'd use your leg, tap him and say walk on at the same time. If he's still planting, stay patient but be firmer in how you ask. Take some treats and reward when he does what he is asked.
 
RiderLizzie said:
If he's young I would avoid doing that!! Use the whip where you'd use your leg, tap him and say walk on at the same time. If he's still planting, stay patient but be firmer in how you ask. Take some treats and reward when he does what he is asked.
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I agree with this.
When a horse barges, then yes you need to stop him going forwards.
Your horse is not moving so waving a stick at him - especially at his face - is going to make him back off if anything. So he'll end up going closer to his field rather than the stables.
Using it as an aid to where you would use your leg is best.

Please also be careful about waving things at his face, as you don't want to unintentionally make him head-shy :)

Lots of good advice has been given here, for you to make headway with him.
 
my horse is exactly the same (naughty). I tried smacking with a whip but with a rug on and him being bomb proof, no amount of smacking or waving of the whip made any difference.
I have given in and used polo's I'm afraid. Am really cross with myself about giving in but couldn't think of another way. I am slowly reducing the amount needed to get him up the lane. If anyone has other ideas I would be glad to hear them too.
 
Kal (sooo not a baby but very, very clever) does this when the grass is really good . . . his leadropes are quite long so I either flick one of those at his flank (right where my leg would be if on board) or I get him off balance by turning him sideways and once his feet are moving start going forwards again. I haven't needed to take a whip into the field and he was whip shy when I bought him I'm not sure I would . . . long lead rope does the job.

Hope that helps.

P
 
When my mare did this, I used to just walk her around in a circle straight away... got her feet moving :) sometimes had to do it a few times though......
 
emma.is said:
When I bring my horse in from the field he plants his feet and doesn't want to move an inch.

He's not happy about coming in because they're on limited turnout.

Any tips on how to get him to walk forwards? I've been taking a spare lead rope with me and asking him to walk forwards twice and then a flick with the rope where my leg would be if I was riding.

Trying not to be too harsh because I know he's just a bit frustrated about being in more than he usually is :/
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I had pretty much the exact same problem with my 5yo and asked the same question, I was advised to take a long schooling whip and give him a smack if he refused to move.
The first day I smacked him (I didn't belt him one I just gave him a firm "take no nonsense" smack). The second day all it took was a small tap. The third day all I needed to do was rub the end of the whip over his bum. The fourth day I forgot the whip but by that point me saying "walk on" and giving him a click got him going - he picks stuff up pretty fast :D
I felt a bit like a bad mum for smacking him to get him away from his friends but now he doesn't plank or nap and we have been problem free catching in and turning out for weeks :D
 
mine was chucked out of racing for doing this and now does it occasionally when he doesnt want to do something :D

Try putting him off balance by rocking him - bend his head and neck left and right and eventually they have to move a foot to stop themselves falling over, and as soon as they do this you can usually get them moving.
 
swampdonkey said:
I have given in and used polo's I'm afraid. Am really cross with myself about giving in but couldn't think of another way. I am slowly reducing the amount needed to get him up the lane. If anyone has other ideas I would be glad to hear them too.
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You didn't "give in"... You found a method that works... Albeit not one you want to live with permanently...

Break the polos in half or quarters...plus associate it with a special word or pat or something that tickles his fancy... Not "good boy" as you probably use that fairly regularly already... By associate, I mean only do/say it exactly when dishing out the polo...

When you want to establish the behaviour it's fine to continually reinforce it with whatever works... Then taper it off so it's a slightly longer distance or every other stop and start again (he gets the reinforcement intermittently) ensuring gaps aren't so long he loses focus... If you have to, always go back a step... And try and do the association aspect (it's similar to clicker training when replacing food as the reinforcer) religiously so you can hopefully establish that word or action on the same level as the treat...

If you normally tell him "walk on" or "go home" (or whatever term you use) - keep that the same too... He'll [hopefully] connect the dots that the "go home" is a signal to undertake a behaviour he can receive reinforcement for... If you need to prompt him with a poke in the ribs or whatever before he takes another step and gets the reinforcer - that's fine... Just aim to drop the prompting too when you can...

Anyway... It might give you something to work with so you feel you're moving forward and you can jiggle it some to suit you providing you stick with the stimulus/behaviour/reinforcement in order... Hope it makes sense... :)

:)
 
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