HELP: I'm really scared of a horse at my yard!

[Shysmum]

i think you're doing the right thing speaking to the YO. Any injury could ruin your career at the end of the day. Good luck with it, sm x

 

[itsme123]

The way to deal with this situation is to go in there and get him used to you just being there. Take a stick in so that if he comes to close you can back him up by being firm with your voice and touch his chest or shoulder and say "back". When he moves back say "good boy" or whatever you would say for encouragement and give him a stroke if you can. Just stay gentle and calm but assert yourself when he gets too close.

I wouldn't use treats on this occasion because if he expects treats every time you go to him, he may get bitey.

It sounds like he has just got used to getting his own way with people through violence and it's not on!

Or as Oldnag says, get YO to teach you

I've got a pony who is very territorial over his stable at times.

If you walked in with a stick, you'd get a kicking.... simple!

The way to handle it is to treat him with respect, and in turn, you'll get respect back. Head collar on over the door, soothing voice but 'take no bull' attitude.

He has kicked in the stable, AND in the field (now nervous in the field after the silly cow who loaned him decided smacking him with a poo picking rake was order of the day) so I take no chances, and warn everyone the same.

Some horses have reason (in their own mind) to kick and bite, and reiterating those fears by taking a stick to it is NOT the answer.

Anyone went near mine with a stick and they'd be getting that stick round the back of their knees....

 

[tallyho!]

I've got a pony who is very territorial over his stable at times.

If you walked in with a stick, you'd get a kicking.... simple!

The way to handle it is to treat him with respect, and in turn, you'll get respect back. Head collar on over the door, soothing voice but 'take no bull' attitude.

He has kicked in the stable, AND in the field (now nervous in the field after the silly cow who loaned him decided smacking him with a poo picking rake was order of the day) so I take no chances, and warn everyone the same.

Some horses have reason (in their own mind) to kick and bite, and reiterating those fears by taking a stick to it is NOT the answer.

Anyone went near mine with a stick and they'd be getting that stick round the back of their knees....

I don't think I was advocating beating the poor beast with a stick so don't put words in my mouth.