emilylou
Well-Known Member
when he leans on you have a hoof pick, or similar blunt pointy object to hand. Allow him to lean on that rather than your body/hand etc. He will soon learn to move away from the pressure. You can then teach him with the hoof pick to move over by applying firm pressure with hoof pick and using command 'over.' Should be an uncomfortable pressure but not painful (unless you are at risk of being trampled!!) Will eventually translate to moving away from other, less uncomfortable pressures.
Had a 17.2hh thug we did this with and worked a treat.
For leading, either dually headcollar or bridle/ chifney, but not headcollar. Lunge rope, gloves, hat, decent boots, DR whip or stick. He must stop when you stop, walk when you walk AT your shoulder, and NEVER enter your personal space. Firm repremand when he does what you dont want him to do and clear praise when he does what you want. They soon learn. Try to stick to simple commands such as 'NO' and 'Good boy' and refrain from angry conversation, horse + you just get more stressed and confused.
As has been previously suggested, Kelly Marks Perfect Manners works a treat.
**I realise he has only been with you a short time but if you are clear with boundaries he will settle quicker than if you wait for him to settle before you discipline him. Horses like to know what is expected of them and is the quickest way for him to trust and relax around you. I equate it to starting a new job and being unsure if your new boss likes you or not, you would be much more at ease if she had a conversation with you explaining if she did (or didnt) and you would settle quicker at the job as a result.
Make it simple, lots of praise for good behaviour (no food), prompt discipline (firm no and correction) for bad behaviour. Repeat, repeat, repeat. And dont feel sorry for him.
Had a 17.2hh thug we did this with and worked a treat.
For leading, either dually headcollar or bridle/ chifney, but not headcollar. Lunge rope, gloves, hat, decent boots, DR whip or stick. He must stop when you stop, walk when you walk AT your shoulder, and NEVER enter your personal space. Firm repremand when he does what you dont want him to do and clear praise when he does what you want. They soon learn. Try to stick to simple commands such as 'NO' and 'Good boy' and refrain from angry conversation, horse + you just get more stressed and confused.
As has been previously suggested, Kelly Marks Perfect Manners works a treat.
**I realise he has only been with you a short time but if you are clear with boundaries he will settle quicker than if you wait for him to settle before you discipline him. Horses like to know what is expected of them and is the quickest way for him to trust and relax around you. I equate it to starting a new job and being unsure if your new boss likes you or not, you would be much more at ease if she had a conversation with you explaining if she did (or didnt) and you would settle quicker at the job as a result.
Make it simple, lots of praise for good behaviour (no food), prompt discipline (firm no and correction) for bad behaviour. Repeat, repeat, repeat. And dont feel sorry for him.
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