Gelding won’t go back out to his field?

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Oisintirnanog

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Hi 👋

My 7yo cob gelding is a bit mad? On one hand, he loves being out in his field. Even in winter, definitely hates being in his stable for any length.
Will trot up to me when I come open the gate. No need to catch him. Problem is; he won’t go back in after riding. At least not easily.
Just stands there quietly at the gate refusing to move. No matter what. Even if yard owners Rottweiler barks and tries to herd him in. Usually won’t enter unless I do to. But sometimes that’s still a no. What’s up with him?!?
Ground around the gate is deep with mud in winter. But he does this even in summer. He has company. Has bonded with a tb mare for 2 years, they’re out together in own field. Happy as Larry together. He has food and water.
Am I being vain thinking maybe he doesn’t want me to leave him? We have a close bond. But come on. ?
He’s super friendly and curious. So… maybe he doesn’t want to leave the main yard where all the activity is? Or is it more likely just doesn’t like the muddy ground ?
Have sometimes had to just give up. Walk back to the main yard and hang out with him for ages. Which makes us a nuisance to others.
 
I get the same attitude from my cob. Puzzled as well. I have had to train obedience to forward cues until the response is automatic to get him back in without an almighty struggle. He is in a peaceful small herd,hates being stabled, has ad lib hay and shelter in the field. Sorry I cannot help but would also love an answer.
 
What makes you think he loves his field? He sees you and runs to you (so is keen to come out) and doesn't want to go back in.
Do other horses around him come in for the night?
Does he have food when he comes in?
Does he have hay in his field?
If he wants to hang around the main yard it's likely the other horses/herd he wants to be with.
 
I was actually thinking that there might be a warm spot he likes to stand in, in the morning, that is a bit of a suntrap. Very cosy just to stand there before needing the full on lie/lay down and snore. And I wonder what his routine was before you had him, OP.

The stable complex would always be built to be in a comfortable position when within its confines.
 
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Interesting aren’t they? He doesn’t want to stay in but fomo when going back out! My highland does this too since the mud I use treats. I’m well trained by him!
 
Does he need food? 😂 maybe he expects a treat after being ridden. My cob loves his stable and will do anything to be inside. You just have to open the field gate and he comes in, usually at speed!
 
Has he got enough to eat?? Is there plenty of grass and hay for them? This time of year the grass doesn’t do a lot for them, mine aren’t bothered about going out unless there is hay out there for them 🤣
 
Goldie's mum said:
Could you have inadvertently taught him to wait for the treat?
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My first thought also. Cobs very good at training.

If he will sometimes follow you maybe he has at once point whacked his hip off a gate or had a slip in the mud and is just having a moment of low confidence. You have to go and risk it first 😂
Pearlsasinger said:
I would reframe that in your own mind. Tell yourself that you are training him to go forwards and rewarding the desired behaviour. There is nothing wrong with food rewards.
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Agree with this too. My mare knows when she is going to be asked to go in and be the only one in the barn (just to get tacked up) and gets sticky about it. Which is fair! One day I might just forget about her and leave her in there?? 😂 But she knows "come here" is a thing she gets a reward for so that's much easier for everyone than trying to drag her.
 
When I worked at a RS we had one cob who would plant and refuse to go in the stable. My boss insisted on giving him a treat to get him in. When she wasn't there one day I used a whip behind me and gave him a tap. Went straight in and never did it again.
 
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