Ground Work Tips Needed!

[JJ2]

I have a lovely 3yr old who I have just bought that needs to learn some manners on the ground. He is quite strong and doesnt know how to move back away from pressure. How do i get him to back up as he just leans into the pressure and is very strong!!

I have tried using a bridle on him and also tried tapping his chest until he moves away but it doesnt seem to have much of an effect on him. The only way i can move him back is by flapping my arms at him...which makes me look a little crackers!!

Any ideas?

 

[Kenzo]

You'll get there, just takes time and plenty of hard work.

Its more a case of respect rather than strength, a horse knows it's own strength and once they learn how to use their strength by getting there own way, that is when you hit big problems.

When doing ground work I like to work with a schooling whip and a head coller from the start, rather than relying on a bit (bridle) for control because you want to keep the mouth nice soft and for riders hands only.

With the handle end of you whip, poke gently into the chest, in the muscle area (hard to explain without showing you) but they are very sensitive in this area and with by pressing into this area with push release push release action, while saying loudly and with authority, BACK BACK, as well as putting some pressure on the head collar, if he takes one step back, stop what you doing and reward him with soft stroke and soothing quiet voice, like 'good lad' or what ever they are sued to when you are letting them know they have done right.

Don't ask for too much in one go, as they will only argue back, they need to learn to understand what you are asking of them even if they are pig headed, so long as he has move away. Practice this ever single day and put it into play every time you handle your horse, be it in the stable, or when they are tied up and your grooming them, so they learn to respect your space. There is nothing worse that a horse over crowding you, with the head in your face, they need to learn that they only get good attention from you, when they are stood away from you. If they crowd you give them quick jab with your elbow, and shout back, doesn't matter if it clouts them on the end of the noggin, they need to learn to keep the faces out of what you are doing, seems harsh but trust me it pays in the long run, they learn to gentle around you and by that, you repay them with the same treatment, its a mutual thing, just like a mare would teach her foal when he over steps the mark in the heard.

Make sure you are consistent with your voice commands, same command, same tone and the same action used, don't confuse them with too much talk.

In time you will have a horse that you can control from standing either at their side or even behind them while tied up, just my saying ''back back'' and he will move back without you even touching him.

 

[Morgan123]

is the issue that he doesn't understand or is bolshy?? My horse totally didn't understand to move away form pressure, and i taught him by using a clicker. Really simple, really easy, he now responds beautifully to voice commands and what's more, is glad to do it (rather than just doing it because im poking him with a stick - no offence to above poster). Took about three five minute sessions to get him moving away form pressure on any part of body (but vary the treats). As he's young much better to do it in a postivie way and get him to think about doing things for you because he wants to/gets something out of it. for exmaple, to get him to move back, wave your arms as you said. as soon as ghe steps back, you immediately click, stop arm-shaking, and give treat.