Help with dominant gelding

[LaurenM]

Hello All,

Does anyone have any advice for handling a dominant gelding?

I've noticed lately that his 'body language' has changed lately! Eek!

Initially I thought that this was because there were horses in the field next to stables but he has also started grooming me, wiping his dirty chops on me when I'm picking his feet and when ridden turns his head round as if he's going to nip my left foot? (Back and teeth checked - just bought new saddle - fitted by saddle fitter as old saddle's tree had broke so think this is related).

He is also really reluctant to leave the herd when caught, which although is an improvement as it used to take me two hours to catch him - he used to give in once caught now he tends to plant his feet and not move at any great rate.

I've thought about join up (through lungeing) but generally he gets bored of the lungeing and starts tanking off.

I also find his manners are worse when around other horses and cannot lunge in the field so not sure if it would work?

Ideas please! Thanks!

 

[NeilM]

I think you are completely misreading his body language. Although grooming is normally instigated by the dominant horse, the three main behaviours you list, grooming, licking when picking his feet out and turning his head to look at you when ridden are all signs of affection and requests for reassurance.

In other words, you are part of the herd and he is very fond of you.

His reluctance to leave his field mates could just be down to mildly taking the p (in a teasing way) but is probably more to do with the fact that he is going to have to work and they are not.

I know nothing about lunging, so I'm not sure how you do join up on the lunge, but join up with a headcollar and lead rope would be a good idea and I think he would click to it quickly, as he is clearly showing signs of great affection towards you.