"growling" at horses!

I growl to warn my lad if he is starting to misbehave. He gets a firm "get on with you" as a back up if the growl doesn't work. Elizabeth uses "who the hell do you think you are?" followed by " I thought not " when they do as they are told.
FDC
 
No I don't growl at my horses, predators growl and I don't want my horses to see me as a predator.

I note that the growl is often followed up with a smack with a whip.

'Pain before brain.'
 
Pale Rider said:
No I don't growl at my horses, predators growl and I don't want my horses to see me as a predator.

I note that the growl is often followed up with a smack with a whip.

'Pain before brain.'
Click to expand...

Are you serious ??
How many dogs do you know that growl words at their prey ?
And youre wrong, its usually done to prevent smacking with a whip
 
Pale Rider said:
No I don't growl at my horses, predators growl and I don't want my horses to see me as a predator.

I note that the growl is often followed up with a smack with a whip.

'Pain before brain.'
Click to expand...

I think you are being presumptive! I growl at my lad as a sign he is being a prat or is pushing his luck, I virtually never hit my horse, and I have never hit him with a crop! I do not carry a crop when I ride and when on the ground. So please don't assume.
FDC
 
Growl when need too, but I find it's the tone of your voice that does it. My OH says when I've really had enough my Sargent Major voice takes over and he and the animals start quaking and must admit the dogs and horses do behave, but very rarely do it.
 
I growl at mine too and it works a treat. What amuses me though, after reading all the comments, is that we all use the same phraseology! Why is it we all say "Get on!" or "Get on with it/you!"?? It just slips off the tongue without a second thought! I suppose it's better to be shouting that whilst having a 'moment' rather than giving the impression you suffer from Tourette's! I used to know someone who would scream every obscenity under the sun at the top of her voice, even at shows. Highly embarrassing!
 
I will say "get on" when D is napping (a smack with a whip is not optional when you are pretty vertical on the road :o ) but competing for example I never ever growl - I hate it, I will talk to him but never shout etc
 
I had a nappy mare who would pack a mighty buck if touched with a stick in certain situations & woe betide anyone within striking distance behind her - sometimes the only option was to use vocal encouragement.
 
I've been known to growl "Get on with you!" and it has usually worked a treat.

Like some other messages we send to horses, I think the reason it works so well is that when you growl and really mean it, your body language naturally conveys your intention very clearly, adding to the sound which by itself may not mean as much to the horse. It's not just your voice the horse is picking up.

Of course, if the horse has also previously learned that a growl may be followed by a smack, the sound will have an additional significance.
 
OMG I found myself growling 'get onnn!!!' at xc yesterday at a refused fence!!!

In 'normal' circumstances I just talk and say 'oi!! no!! this way please' and use my leg and stick and say 'god boy' when he moves off correctly.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top