Can't catch horse, is this a good idea?

Kokopelli

Kokopelli

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Andy has been very naughty lately!
I haven't ridden him in a while hoping it will solve the problem but its hasn't, if anything he's worse!

I sometimes bring him in to feed or groom then turn out again. Then he comes in at night.

I couldn't catch him today and took two attempts yesterday! So I put him back out and was threatening to leave him out all night but about 30 mins ago I decided to get him in as I felt bad. He was stood by the gate neighing for me (he wasn't out on own) but seemed glad to come in.

Is it a good idea to leave him out if I can't catch him again?
 
If he is well rugged then I cant see a problem with leaving him out. Our boys live out 24/7 but they change field. One time FH was being "brave" and refused to be caught, I took SP away and left him there for a good few hours!!! He has never again been a big brave boy like that ;)
 
leave him out for a night it won't hurt him but mite teach him that if he gets caught he gets to come in and have his dinner!!!
worked on my old bag when dad tried to catch her... although he did actually fetch her in a midnight because teh weather really turned!
 
Oh, I want to know the answer to this one as my girl has just started to play up. I nearly left her in the field tonight, but someone had previously said that she would learn that if she runs off she gets to stay out - it might encourage her to do it more.
 
Yep- we'd just leave them to it. Cold or not really- half an hour of shivering won't kill him and even though he's a poor doer, he won't shiver off weight in that time. If a pony refused to be caught, we'd just leave them and come back later.
 
I'm worried he won't get his food as keeping weight on him is difficult! Yes he is well rugged atm, so tomorrow if he tries it again will leave him out.
 
Kokopelli said:
Is it a good idea to leave him out if I can't catch him again?
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I most certainly would. It won't kill him for one night whatever the weather chucks at him, and if he isn't likely to run through a fence trying to be with his buddies, then yes, if you can't catch leave him out, I wouldn't feed him though.

It would give you both a bit of a breather, and if he has gone without his supper/whatever, then he may, may, be more enthusiastic about coming in the next time. Of course, he might just laugh his socks off at you and be just as awkward next time:(
 
I had to with Len! All on his lonesome :) The only thing you need to consider (sure you've thought of this though) is that he will need a decent rug on, especially as Andy isn't such a good doer :) You won't want him shivering off any weight. The only thing I worried about is that they become used to being out alone on sort of decide that it's not too bad, and they'd rather stay out after all. That said, it didn't happen when I tried it :D

J&C
 
He's in a heavyweight atm, was considering to changing to medium weight (thickish one) but decided against it if I did need to leave him out over night. There are horses that live out 24/7 I don't want him to want to stay out though and then think if he isn;t caught he gets to live out.

This horse is really beginning to test me the little ar$e
 
My old mare was a pain to catch. I used to feed her and then walk away, so she knew when she saw me she wouldnt be caught everytime.
 
How can such a cute face be so naughty?? ;)
the numpty pony was refusing to come in at the normal time yesterday when a friend tried to bring him in so he is being left out untill it is nealy dark and he will then come over to the gate. Is it possible to do this with Andy? I think the nice weather is making them want to be out as much as possible :cool:
 
dafthoss- thats what we did today but I can't do that everyday as I do actually want to ride him once I can catch him!

Does anyone have a dart gun they want to lend us? :p
 
Is he out with other horses? Can you just ignore him and go fuss the others - even giev themsome treats if you're allowed and if it won't cause issues? Is he running away from you? Mine does this on occasion but to be honest he's never that serious about it as is driven by his stomach so I knowfood will win him round. however, sometimes if i can't be bothered with him pratting about i will fuss the others and he just can't resist coming over just in case they may be getting fed.

Also, he's a bit nifty at reversing or throwing his head up when you're trying to put his headcollar on so I have found putting it one (over his nose at least) from the offside tends to work and then move to the nearside to fasten it. A simple thing like that seems to work bizarrely.

oh, I also have a pony who can be funny sometimes - what can work with him is reversing up beind him and picking up a back leg, then a front leg and then voila, you geta rope round his neck and headcollar on!! Lol. The other trick is to keep chasing them away form you, not allowing them to stop and eat. Do this until they actually decide they will come to you after all. This is another one that works with my naughty horse!!!
 
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He doesn't give a damn if you fuss other horses.
The field is huge so you can't chase him around unless your just as fast as him.
You can only get within 50ft of him and he's off. Once your within that limit you can get him easily.

I'm pretty sure he knows every trick in the book, unfortunatly he's a crafty little devil!
 
My two girls have started doing this the past week or so, they just gallop around in unison and set each other off! Im putting it down to them being in season as well as the spring grass going to their heads as they are usually happy to come in. Luckily a scoop of feed seems to do the trick!
 
Leave him out. My mare who is 99% to catch would tell me quite loudly when she wanted to stay out. ( This behaviour occurs about once a month at the moment) The next night she would be waiting at the gate to come in! :)
 
I know how you feel - It's a bit depressing when they charge off! When I first got my old boy (rescue horse) he was hard to catch in his stable, let alone the field!

I found the trick was to fuss the other ponies, he a bit messed up, quite possesive and soon got jealous :p Also used a little bribery :D
 
Don't panic, the spring grass is definately on its way. All of ours have changed this past week. We have one that is like Andy, we have in the past chased him about until he got so tired, then brought him in and lunged him some more! We have 8 geldings out in a massive 16 acres field, so it can be a pain. Leave a leather headcollar on him, that works with mine, he knows there is no point in being naughty, he is of the type that will let you get close then bugger off when you go to put the head collar on! Harry is just plain naughty and hence we have chased him around on numerous occaisions. Or you could just ignore him, get everything else in and then give him 10 mins on his own.
 
Is there a reason he can't live out 24/7?

I recall from your previous posts that he was quite underweight? (Think I didn't comment hen as you were getting quite a hard time but if they are the pics I'm thinking of I was surprised he was being ridden.) Would it be possible to bring him in/check over/feed (assuming that is why he is coming in other than riding?) and then turn out again? Perhaps give him some time off?

He could probably do with a fair bit of what I think they call 'Dr Green' and maybe he is telling you that!
 
Kokopelli said:
dafthoss- thats what we did today but I can't do that everyday as I do actually want to ride him once I can catch him!

Does anyone have a dart gun they want to lend us? :p
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I'm afraid you'll have to take a longer term view. Just leaving him once won't work.
If possible, leave him until it's dark and bring him in, feed him and leave him, then ride in the morning, If you can't ride in the morning then you will just have to take the view that for the mean time you are training him to come in.
 
Ah well, sod him then, leave him out if that's where he wants to be! Lol. If you want to ride however that's a bit tricky. Can you sit on the ground near him (maybe with some rustley packet of polos or something?) and wait for him to come to you?
 
Tickles said:
Is there a reason he can't live out 24/7?

I recall from your previous posts that he was quite underweight? (Think I didn't comment hen as you were getting quite a hard time but if they are the pics I'm thinking of I was surprised he was being ridden.) Would it be possible to bring him in/check over/feed (assuming that is why he is coming in other than riding?) and then turn out again? Perhaps give him some time off?

He could probably do with a fair bit of what I think they call 'Dr Green' and maybe he is telling you that!
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Please don't bring up weight no need for it.

He can't live out 24/7 as the grass is rubbish he won't get enough to eat and we can;t put hay out in field. He is literally turned out for exercise and to be a horse, and nibble on what grass is there. Also please read OP he is not being ridden atm so is not coming in to be ridden or work at all.


Pearlsasinger said:
I'm afraid you'll have to take a longer term view. Just leaving him once won't work.
If possible, leave him until it's dark and bring him in, feed him and leave him, then ride in the morning, If you can't ride in the morning then you will just have to take the view that for the mean time you are training him to come in.
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I can ride in the morning.

If I just bring him in at the time he feels like it aren't I just giving into him? If not this does sound like a good solution.
 
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I can ride in the morning.

If I just bring him in at the time he feels like it aren't I just giving into him? If not this does sound like a good solution.[/QUOTE]

What is your alternative? Leave him out all night? That would mean that you can't ride at all (unless you can catch him in the morning) AND that you can't give him the feed that he needs.
I always think with horses that you have to be pragmatic, you can't actually force them to do what you want. So if you follow my suggestion, you actually get your own way but he doesn't realise it.
 
I think I could probably catch him in the morning.
Will give it a go tomorrow though and see how it goes.

Hopefully when I move yards soon it will all go away as in a smaller field where all horses come in at night which I think will make him be a bit more willing to come in.
 
megwan1 said:
leave him out for a night it won't hurt him but mite teach him that if he gets caught he gets to come in and have his dinner!!!
worked on my old bag when dad tried to catch her... although he did actually fetch her in a midnight because teh weather really turned!
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HollyB66 said:
Oh, I want to know the answer to this one as my girl has just started to play up. I nearly left her in the field tonight, but someone had previously said that she would learn that if she runs off she gets to stay out - it might encourage her to do it more.
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A horse doesnt understand punishment, so what is the point?

they will come in when they are ready.
 
Avoid the chasing game tbh. If he runs away turn and walk away. Also have you tried approaching sideways or even backwards avoiding eye contact?

I agree with pearlsasinger bring him in to feed and ride in the morning if you can.

Ideally you need to turn him out with one other horse who you can bring in at the same time.:)
 
dozzie said:
Avoid the chasing game tbh. If he runs away turn and walk away. Also have you tried approaching sideways or even backwards avoiding eye contact?

I agree with pearlsasinger bring him in to feed and ride in the morning if you can.

Ideally you need to turn him out with one other horse who you can bring in at the same time.:)
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I only suggested it as it is the basis of Monty Roberts, and even if you have a big field as long as you keep the horse moving and not allowing grazing they do give in very quickly. As for approaching backwards - mine would definately do his nut over that.

Koko - hope you find something that works out soon.
 
Laafet said:
I only suggested it as it is the basis of Monty Roberts, and even if you have a big field as long as you keep the horse moving and not allowing grazing they do give in very quickly. As for approaching backwards - mine would definately do his nut over that.

Koko - hope you find something that works out soon.
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Sorry wasnt responding to you. I know the technique you mean and have used it but not in a huge field. That isnt the game I mean:) I mean the one where they are playing with you! :D "I run away and you chase me!" That game! ;):)
 
dozzie said:
Avoid the chasing game tbh. If he runs away turn and walk away. Also have you tried approaching sideways or even backwards avoiding eye contact?
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I'd agree with this.

Its beyond obvious but if a horse is running away from me I turn sideways, turn my head away and approach sideways - often they'll then stay still enough for me to get within touching distance.
 
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