Help needed - newbie

[S14Tobin]

Hi - Finally managed to register on here I'm the very proud owner of a 10yo friesian x shire, who has always been a bit of a challenge to say the least - he knows his size, and knows he can whip me into a top hat - not adverse to admitting it's my fault! Over the last couple of days, he's been hard to catch, and when I have, been ok so far, then whipping round and breaking loose punctuated by a few bucks etc. This is really out of character, no matter he;'s always been a bit of a thug to handle, but never in the 9 years I've owned him has he been bad to catch, or broken free. My husband finally caught him today, and he has a fantastic relationship with him - yet he did the same thing. Finally brought him in for a brush and fly repellant etc, and turned him back out on a good note. I have suspicions that sopme local kids have been messing about, I know some were seen recently in the field, and even trying to ride one - I hope to god this isn't what happened as I'm likely to find a body in the hedge knowing my lad, but, in all honesty, I'm now aware he's finally scared me, he will be aware of it, I am, I feel very low about it, and need a hand for once! Anyone willing to give me a (typed!) slap and redirect me back on course here? I feel very much I've let him down!

 

[hellspells]

Don't you just love horses!!

How are you leading him once you catch him? If its just a headcollar and leadrope I have a suggestion. Prehaps try a stallion chain (or the cheap alternative - a chain dog lead!!) Clip it on the metal on one side of the noseband of the collar and thread threw to the otherside of the metal.


Does he associate being caught by you/your OH with good things? Do you reward him for being caught? Maybe a piece of apple/carrot/treat?

 

[Louby]

Hi and welcome.
Please dont feel youve let him down, I think you are probably right about the kids and apart from move yards really dont know what to suggest.
Maybe the kids have upset the horses by chasing them arround and trying to catch one, ride it etc and the whole herd is now unsettled.
Just a thought though, Is there a mare in season or a new horse in the field. Maybe your boy doesnt want to leave 'this' horse to come in and if so a stallion chain, chifney or bridle will help you.

 

[S14Tobin]

Hi - no... he's not particularly bothered by the other 3 in the field, altho the younger mare follows him around sometimes... she's 16 I think! looking at it objectively, and taking a step back, I'm possibly over-horsed in some ways, he's a gorgeous gorgeous big cob, but seems to think he's an arab... I think he's very aware that I'm easily scared by him, especially when he shows me how fast 800kg of horse really can move sideways over their owner! I've had a chat with the lady who I sent him away to break in (says it all she remembered him after 7 years!) I need to pull myself together! I'd probably be better off with a barbie doll :-( I've thought about the bridle, will have a go tomorrow. I just wish I could find someone competent who would like to share him - or preferably just ride him a few times a week to keep him interested! He's quite sharp for a big cob, but very smart as well as being a Union-Jack boxer-shorts wearing football lout of a gelding!