Give me strength.......

[Parkranger]

well, new boy is turning out to be a nice sort. Apart from one thing. I thought I'd sorted him about being caught but today one of the lads up the yard went to get him and my other one is so we could ride out. I usually hide the headcollar but he must have walked up to him with it on show. So 2 hours later he comes in (and only at bringing in time) and I have to say I was a bit fed up by then!

so, any ideas on how to crack it? It's weird as he was a nightmare when I first started riding him but I think it was because he had to break from his routine and wasn't use to coming in on his own. Last few weeks he's been fine - yesterday I caught him at 1 o clock and no probs....

All a bit confusing!

 

[Shilasdair]

Walk him down, but it takes patience, then feed him and turn him away again. Always give him a treat, feed him when you catch him/turn him out.
S

 

[Parkranger]

yeah I think I need to take some time with him and just catch, groom, feed and turn out. Difficult though when time is at a premium!! Think he's also going through the process of getting used to work again - he's had a lot to take in over the last month...

 

[saskia295]

I agree with S, when you catch him, don't always bring him in to ride. Catch him, feed, then turn away again. Also, try just going up to him in the field without the headcollar. Give him a treat and fuss and walk away again. Hopefully he should learn that being caught doesn't always mean work.