Carrot stretches without the carrots?

Denbob

Denbob

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Physio has advised carrot stretches before/after riding and I've also got Gillian Higgins' book on horse phsyio and would like to bring some of those into his routine. The problem being I can't trust him around carrots or other snacks, he gets very bitey and frustrated if he thinks he's doing what I'm asking but is actually backing up to reach the carrot rather than stretching round (for example). I tried clicker training a year ago so we could do stretches with a target but that got the same result as it is ultimately a food reward.

I've been trying consistently for a week or two and the result is the same with his behaviour, and I've had to stop because he has caught me on more than one occasion and it becomes a really unpleasant experience and he's grabbing rather than really stretching which can't be good for his muscles.

How do you carrot stretch without the carrots?!
 
I know it doesn’t help but I have exactly the same problems with carrot stretches and just end up with a greedy snatchy pony. 😟
 
I have the same problem and am contemplating using a lickit or similar. Re the backing up, it's much easier done in the stable with their bum wedged in a corner :)
 
Did you have someone helping you with the clicker training?
As I understand it, lesson 1 of clicker training is "no mugging" and you don't move on until your horse will wait nicely for the reward with no mugging / nipping etc.
 
little_critter said:
Did you have someone helping you with the clicker training?
As I understand it, lesson 1 of clicker training is "no mugging" and you don't move on until your horse will wait nicely for the reward with no mugging / nipping etc.
Click to expand...

I didn't have someone there, I gave it my best shot with books and YouTube tutorials. He got the no mugging and I did wait out the temper tantrums but once we progressed past the non-mugging stage no matter how small I broke down the steps he started to get cross again. I'll see if there's anyone in the area who can help!
 
It sounds as if you could do with someone who successfully uses clicker training to show you how to do it. I have always used treats to train/reward my horses and have never had a 'mugger'. They should know that you are in charge of the reward.
 
Mine is just the same! I’ve used a lick it instead and that does work better but sometimes he’s not fussed about it, so it’s not as successful.
 
I explained to the equine osteopath that I didn't want to do any exercises with food reward and she gave me some that didn't need it.
 
you can also use a cup or similar container with some chaff or some of his usual feed in it. Take it out of the normal ration if you don't want to add extra. mine will reach around and just try and nibble the bits she can reach with her lips from a cup (I have one ultra polite horse and one that is inclined to get a bit jaws-like :oops:)
 
milliepops said:
you can also use a cup or similar container with some chaff or some of his usual feed in it. Take it out of the normal ration if you don't want to add extra. mine will reach around and just try and nibble the bits she can reach with her lips from a cup (I have one ultra polite horse and one that is inclined to get a bit jaws-like :oops:)
Click to expand...

That's an interesting idea - take away the association with hands... thank you!
 
i do mine with clicker training. First you have to try and teach them not to mug. I have my treats in a bum bag (very glamorous!) and stand with my hands behind my back. I just ignore any nudging although mine isn't bitey - i might go for a quick elbow if he was! When the horse looks away click and treat.

I then move on to clicking when he touches a rolled up pair of gloves. At first start with him looking away, get the gloves out and hold them out near his nose so he (hopefully) gets curious and click when he touches them. Then put the behind your back and wait til he looks away. Repeat.

When this is all established start moving the gloves further away until you can do the carrot stretches. Make sure you don't start each stretch until he is looking away. When not getting him to touch the gloves have them and your hands behind your back. I give the treat at the front but mine is pretty polite. I have also done it where i had a treat bucket lid in front of the horse and I would click and then put the treat on the lid.
 
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