Haflinger behavior

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Amy070593

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Hey :)

I recently started loaning a 19yr old Haflinger gelding and he is lovely but seems to be having mood swings a lot...He has been kept in all winter so I didn't know if this was the reason, or whether it is something else?
Also when I ride him he naps at the start and will hang his head right down and just walk and refuse to respond. Is this just him being in a bad mood or am i doing something wrong??
He was only gelded at 12, and I have heard that this means he is more like a stallion than a gelding :confused:

Any help will be appreciated as he is a big boy and is very strong. I love him to pieces but I just want to make him happier and less grumpy haha.

Amy
 
What do you mean by mood swings? what is he doing?

The napping and low head sound like he knows he's "strong" and testing you.

(obviously check back, teeth, tack etc. to rule out pain before assuming bad behaviour)
 
Clava said:
What do you mean by mood swings? what is he doing?

The napping and low head sound like he knows he's "strong" and testing you.
Click to expand...

I Agree. I have a Haffie mare who likes to test new people. Can be very bolshy until you show her that your the boss. If you give them an inch they will take a mile!
 
Yeah from the sounds of it he is just like what you guys are describing with your horses. I am not a fan of crops and stuff so how do I get through to him? I want to start with Monty Roberts stuff soon as well

x
 
Mine is like that, I had to start leading him in a dually, he soon decided that I was right. I dont have to use it now, just a normal headcollar.

He will just plant himself and not move at all. The moment I am passed a whip he moves, I never have to use it on him, he just knows it is there.
 
Hello!i had a Haflinger when i was younger he was arround nine and used to bolt when i lead him to the field they are so strong my dad had trouble! and he was sold back as i couldnt handle him. With hafflingers you have to make sure they no your boss as the take the mic and no all the tricks in the book, do different work schemes to keep him interested. Good Luck!

Im going to take the chance i hope you dont mind as lots of people are commenting who have haflingers, id really like to see him i have missed himalot and id love to see how he is doing.

His name is ' Frankie ' was when i had him and before i had him.
13.2ish
Hafflinger
Long mane but i think it was pulled
Odd shape blaze
he was arround 9 when i had him he would be arround 12 now?
very cheeky and strong but quite lazy when he wanted, very green jump.
Last i heard he was at Gotwick farm in Rusper Surrey.
Any feed back would be brilliant.

Sorry for Hi- Jack of thread but hopefully hafflinger owners will see.
 
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We have a haffy mare who could be an absolute pig if she thought she would get away with it. Sami chose to use a wipwop rather than a whip and it was very effective. She has been the most loving and obliging mare ever since she realised that Sami could, and would, ride her whether she liked it or not. I think generally they are quite forward going by nature, they like things to be fun, Lyric struggles to walk anywhere and loves to trot. Good luck with him, he will be worth the perseverance. Have you spoken to the owners about the problem, it could be they will know exactly how to get him going for you!
 
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