Help with new horse planting..

[GG80]

Hi All,

After some words of advice on how to get over my new boy planting his feet. He is a big heavy cob, so when he plants, he plants and nothing will get him moving. I have only had him for a three weeks, and due to the hot weather recently have only managed to ride him a few times since I brought him home. I spent some time lunging him (when I first got him home or rode him) and he was foot perfect, listened to me from the first time. His back/saddle/teeth etc have been checked and all is well, so believe he is just lacking confidence in me, new surroundings, home, friends and then leaving his new friends etc, so all understandable, but how do I get over it? I know it may sound as though I am expecting too much too soon, so am open to criticism.
When I took him out for his first hack, my husband walked out with me, and although he was wary (as you would expect) he didn't plant once. Second time we went by ourselves, and he planted once but soon moved off again with some encouragement, but it has got worse, not better since then and I don't really get why, surely the more he does it, the less anxious he should be? All the other times we have been out he has planted I have tried all the ideas I could find; 1) sitting it out, after 10 minutes he did move off again (this was turning back towards home down a lane he had just walked down and he planted when turned to go back up it), b) getting off and walking him on, then getting back on, but he wouldn't move when I got back on apart from if I turned him towards home - this was on a road so couldn't mess around too much c)having a friend walk out with me who had a crop also, he planted a LOT. Few times I got him going, but a lot of the time he had to be led on by my friend before he would move, BUT we did get him round a route rather than turning back, so he didn't get what he wanted. Once we were half way round (and therefore heading back to home) he didn't plant once, and she said we both visibly relaxed. She thinks it is a combination of him lacking confidence and seeing what he can get away with, he saw an opportunity once and planted, got away with it so is now pushing it, and in my head I am still riding my old boy who was very testing at times and unpredictable so was always on a tight rein whereas I really don't need to be on my new boy as he is pretty much as safe as houses, so he is picking up on my unintentional tension maybe. Also, I will say (my fault) that I did take him several different ways, rather than just get him used to one route, so may have overloaded him? I spoke to his previous owner who has been really helpful, said he did plant when she first got him but he hadn't done it for years (had him for 6 years from a young horse) so didn't even think it would be an issue. She advised to rein back past whatever he is bothered about, but he wouldn't do that (over a drain making a lot of noise so understandable), and I can't do that on a road, which I need to go down to get onto any bridleways. I will also add that he has gone from being in a herd to being on his own in a field (surrounded by other horses that he can touch/groom over the fence) but he seems perfectly settled now, he comes when I call him and even if I don't call he comes over to me for some love, so I definitely know there is a bond there, but if anyone has any advice on how to overcome the planting problem, it would be really appreciated? Previous owner has offered to come and help but I don't think that is the way to go as he needs to listen to me now.

Sorry it's so long, but I wanted to try and give as much info a I could! x

 

[be positive]

I think you should take up the old owners offer, not many will even consider helping a new owner so to me it shows they are genuine and want to get you back on an even keel with him, yes he needs to listen to you but if they have an idea that makes a difference he will and you can get moving forward literally.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

Can he have herd turnout? The thing that stands out to me is that he no longer has horses grazing with him to build his confidence. then I suggest that you lead him out and ride home, so that you are more relaxed. Get him used to one route, again, so that you can both relax and *always* go on a circular/lollipop-shaped route.

 

[be positive]

I missed the individual turnout part, he may be appearing to be settled but if he is stressing away internally because he is alone he may be very unhappy, the fact he comes to you is a sign he needs company and not really a sign of a bond, horses bond with other horses and most need a companion or two in order to be genuinely relaxed, able to sleep properly and lead a fairly comfortable confident life, I don't like individual turnout unless there is a very good reason for it .

 

[GG80]

Point taken about herd turnout, but unfortunately not something I can do. He is literally surrounded by horses though and he doesn't pay them that much attention, certainly nowhere near as much as he did when I first brought him home, he will go over to them, but he is always the one to walk away and graze. He doesn't come over to me all the time, in fact less so now than what he used to - used to do it as soon as I walked in the field, the last week or so he has looked up but carried on grazing mainly - should have said that, rather than make it sound like he is constantly coming to me when he sees me. He is definitely settled down from when he first arrived.

 

[GG80]

I will also add (sorry) that prior to my buying him, he wasn't in that much work (main reason for him being sold) so think his hacking may have been a short span time wise and round his paddocks, a couple of times a week, if that, so his level of fitness is lacking, so this may be another reason for it?

 

[Annagain]

Do you have another horse you can hack out with? He might take confidence from another one. Once he's happy doing that you could then tackle hacking alone?

 

[GG80]

I do, my friend has offered, but her's is quite a stressy mare who hasn't been ridden for a year or 18 months (bad accident meant her owner couldn't ride) as has only just been given the all clear to ride, so her mare will be even more stressy (I would think) being back in work and ridden again so maybe that wouldn't be the best idea? Although she is one of the ones he can stand and 'talk to' so is familiar with her. I could ask another person I know, but have never ridden out with before so I do have options of that yes. Loads of horses/riders round our area so is definitely a variable option.

 

[Peter7917]

I would let the old owner come up. I bet once she has ridden him in the new environment, both of you will feel more confident.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

Well you committed the cardinal sin of turning on the spot and going back the way you came so will need to be very determined from now on (I was in your position many, many years ago and I absolutely feel for you as it is a very frustrating situation).

If he doesn't walk on once you re-mount then blimmin' well walk him in-hand until you are past the halfway point or even the whole way, but don't turn back on yourself. Lollipop shaped routes are fine if you don't have many circular ones. Also using something as a 'roundabout' is OK too with nappy horses. So even going around a tree and then going home is better than turning on the spot.

 

[GG80]

I know it was the worst thing I could have done, but I didn't have much choice as it was on a road, we had stood for 10 minutes or so (not long I know) and I was concerned about being on a road, not that he was doing anything, just standing there, and I could feel myself, and therefore transferring onto him, getting stressed and upset. That was the time I got off and walked about 200 yards up the road and then got back on and he just planted again. My husband is going to walk out with me again this evening, and same friend as yesterday has said she will come again later in the week, so am hoping by then, and maybe riding with another horse at the weekend, we will overcome it. It is frustrating and I do get embarrassed (silly I know) that it looks like I can't control my horse. I can absolutely do a lollipop shape on the same route so will try and crack that route first and then introduce a different end so we go in a circle. Will do as suggested and take a lead rope to clip on if I do need to get off and lead to a point and remount (have to find somewhere I can stand on though as due to back problems, I don't have enough strength to get myself up from the ground.

 

[paddy555]

he may lack confidence in you but I suspect he is also trying it on. He has been in his new home just about the right time to try it. Many do this. I would get the old owner out, follow in your car well out of the horse's way and just watch. Tell her what you want done and see what happens. I suspect the horse will do it all perfectly. If he does then you know you have to step up to the mark and make him. If he doesn't then perhaps he really does has a problem. By doing this you will have an answer very quickly. You will also feel more confident in knowing that he isn't going to do anything serious.
If the old owner does well on him then get on, ride to a troublespot and ask the old owner to tell you exactly what he is doing and exactly what you should be are doing. If you have to use your schooling whip then the old owner is there to make sure you are safe and to give you the confidence to drive him on.
If the old owner is willing to help you are very lucky.

He may be lacking fitness and if he was being slow on a couple of hours ride it may be a factor but I suspect he is being lazy and asking question of "what is really going to happen if I stop"

 

[GG80]

he may lack confidence in you but I suspect he is also trying it on. He has been in his new home just about the right time to try it. Many do this. I would get the old owner out, follow in your car well out of the horse's way and just watch. Tell her what you want done and see what happens. I suspect the horse will do it all perfectly. If he does then you know you have to step up to the mark and make him. If he doesn't then perhaps he really does has a problem. By doing this you will have an answer very quickly. You will also feel more confident in knowing that he isn't going to do anything serious.
If the old owner does well on him then get on, ride to a troublespot and ask the old owner to tell you exactly what he is doing and exactly what you should be are doing. If you have to use your schooling whip then the old owner is there to make sure you are safe and to give you the confidence to drive him on.
If the old owner is willing to help you are very lucky.

He may be lacking fitness and if he was being slow on a couple of hours ride it may be a factor but I suspect he is being lazy and asking question of "what is really going to happen if I stop"

Someone did just say to me that he has been in his new home long enough to see 'what he can and can't get away with', his previous owner did also say this... that if he was going to be difficult for want of a better word, that it would be in a few weeks, not straight away, so does tie in. I just thought getting his old owner out may confuse him, but that is what a few of you are suggesting so perhaps that is the way to go. It was a very hard sale for them, and the only reason he was sold is because he just wasn't getting the time and attention he deserves and literally only hacking round his paddocks for 20 minutes or so at a time, maybe a couple of times a week, if that, so I think fitness is definitely also playing a part. I do take a schooling whip with me but it doesn't really make much difference. I do appreciate the old owners offer of help, said they would rather help and us both be happy which is lovely. They were very specific where he went to so is definitely following that up with the offer of help.

 

[paddy555]

Someone did just say to me that he has been in his new home long enough to see 'what he can and can't get away with', his previous owner did also say this... that if he was going to be difficult for want of a better word, that it would be in a few weeks, not straight away, so does tie in. I just thought getting his old owner out may confuse him, but that is what a few of you are suggesting so perhaps that is the way to go. It was a very hard sale for them, and the only reason he was sold is because he just wasn't getting the time and attention he deserves and literally only hacking round his paddocks for 20 minutes or so at a time, maybe a couple of times a week, if that, so I think fitness is definitely also playing a part. I do take a schooling whip with me but it doesn't really make much difference. I do appreciate the old owners offer of help, said they would rather help and us both be happy which is lovely. They were very specific where he went to so is definitely following that up with the offer of help.

the old owner sounds brilliant and seems to really care about the horse. You don't know how lucky you are. This situation often happens but the old owner doesn't want to know and you are left not knowing if the horse is being a PITA or if there is really a problem. The old owner won't confuse him. Without something to break the deadlock he will just carry on being a pain and it will get harder each time to get him to stop planting. As it gets worse each time and he gets more confident with his poor behaviour in the end it will take a lot more force to resolve it. Best to get in quickly whilst it can be easily sorted.

 

[BOWS28]

New horses very often try their luck in a new place with a new human. This is not a dig, but turning him from home is just giving him exactly what he wants. You've now put yourself in a very sticky situation because you rewarded him for his piggish behaviour. I would get the old owner down and see what he makes of that. The likely hood is he'll be absolutely fine and that's when you need to get tough. Many old owners would see this being a whole lot of you problem, so you're lucky! Take the help offered.

 

[GG80]

His old owner is lovely, we have stayed friends as they asked to, and it was definitely one of the hardest things they had to do to sell him, that much was obvious. Has been asking how he is getting on and only wanted the best for him. Felt that we were a good match as he hadn't reacted to anybody that saw him the way he did with me, so I was lucky enough to have him. I just thought it may confuse him wondering what was going on and whether he was going 'home' with them, but perhaps I didn't realise how lucky I was to have this offer. I guess because if I ever had to sell a horse (likely never) then I wouldn't hesitate in helping out, but seems like that is few and far between! Next time we hack out, we will not be going home, I will be getting off and walking the entire route (as previously suggested above) if need be, but he will not be going home again. I knew taking him back was the worse thing I could have done, but felt I had no choice. Am more than happy to stand on a track/field for as long as it takes to get moving again, but that isn't really viable on a road, and I have no choice but to go on this road to get to any track.

 

[paddy555]

Am more than happy to stand on a track/field for as long as it takes to get moving again, but that isn't really viable on a road, and I have no choice but to go on this road to get to any track.

he has 2 ways of getting his reward, which for him is basically to do very little. Either he turns for home, or he gets to stand still and have a rest. When you ride pay very careful attention to every stride and you should be able to feel a stride beforehand that he is going to plant. Correct him before he has the chance. You could bring him around quickly in a circle, turn in a different direction, or really get some leg (and whip if necessary) on to stop the plant. If he stops don't give him the pleasure of a rest whilst you sit it out make him do something. If he is not going forward then he is going to do something, anything but life is going to be unpleasant and it will not be a rest. Try a step back, round in a tight circle anything. Really growl at him,

If you cannot work through it on the road lead him all the way to somewhere it will be safe and basically set him up to plant and make sure you have the time and you have got yourself worked up to deal with it.

 

[9tails]

Do you use a schooling whip? It sounds like you don't, try carrying one and see if he's as nappy then. I'm not telling you to beat him, just the fact you have one may change his mindset.

 

[GG80]

he has 2 ways of getting his reward, which for him is basically to do very little. Either he turns for home, or he gets to stand still and have a rest. When you ride pay very careful attention to every stride and you should be able to feel a stride beforehand that he is going to plant. Correct him before he has the chance. You could bring him around quickly in a circle, turn in a different direction, or really get some leg (and whip if necessary) on to stop the plant. If he stops don't give him the pleasure of a rest whilst you sit it out make him do something. If he is not going forward then he is going to do something, anything but life is going to be unpleasant and it will not be a rest. Try a step back, round in a tight circle anything. Really growl at him,

If you cannot work through it on the road lead him all the way to somewhere it will be safe and basically set him up to plant and make sure you have the time and you have got yourself worked up to deal with it.

Makes perfect sense that he is being rewarded no matter what I do, I just read that rather than turning for home, sitting it out until they get bored is a way round it, but perhaps not the most efficient, as you say, because he still gets a rest. I could feel he was going to plant yesterday, but perhaps that second too late to stop him, if that makes sense, so will try to be more aware when I take him out this evening. Difficult to circle him on a road, but agree that maybe I need to walk him off road and then mount and try it, really appreciate the advice!

 

[GG80]

Do you use a schooling whip? It sounds like you don't, try carrying one and see if he's as nappy then. I'm not telling you to beat him, just the fact you have one may change his mindset.

I do have a schooling whip yes, makes no difference.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

Very often rider/handler attitude makes such a difference, if it is your intention to lead him until you get off the road, you will know that and so will he. It is unlikely that he will plant under those circumstances but make sure that you are fully aware of his body language and ready to intervene, if he does think about stopping. If he plants when you are on a track, you will be far more relaxed than if he does it on the road, so much more able to deal with his behaviour.
Is there any real reason why he can't have shared turnout?

 

[Leandy]

he has 2 ways of getting his reward, which for him is basically to do very little. Either he turns for home, or he gets to stand still and have a rest. When you ride pay very careful attention to every stride and you should be able to feel a stride beforehand that he is going to plant. Correct him before he has the chance. You could bring him around quickly in a circle, turn in a different direction, or really get some leg (and whip if necessary) on to stop the plant. If he stops don't give him the pleasure of a rest whilst you sit it out make him do something. If he is not going forward then he is going to do something, anything but life is going to be unpleasant and it will not be a rest. Try a step back, round in a tight circle anything. Really growl at him,

If you cannot work through it on the road lead him all the way to somewhere it will be safe and basically set him up to plant and make sure you have the time and you have got yourself worked up to deal with it.

This! Don't let him get away with this for even a short time or you are setting yourself up to fail. You need to get tough, every single time. This behaviour is not acceptable so you must not tolerate it at all. Then he will stop trying it.

I know it may sound as though I am expecting too much too soon, so am open to criticism.

I disagree, you are not expecting too much, you are not expecting enough!

 

[Petalpoos]

I had something similar with my mare and, as it turned out, she was absolutely trying it on, and winning, until (not proud of it but it worked) I started wearing spurs and taking a schooling whip and really went in hard as soon as she started to stop. Best done off a road and away from any bystanders! It worked though and she is now absolutely fine.

 

[GG80]

Very often rider/handler attitude makes such a difference, if it is your intention to lead him until you get off the road, you will know that and so will he. It is unlikely that he will plant under those circumstances but make sure that you are fully aware of his body language and ready to intervene, if he does think about stopping. If he plants when you are on a track, you will be far more relaxed than if he does it on the road, so much more able to deal with his behaviour.
Is there any real reason why he can't have shared turnout?

Not necessarily my intention to lead him until he is off road, it was more if he plants on a road, I could get off and lead him until we are off road, hop back on and then deal with the planting somewhere safer than a road. I am just going to have to try and be more alert to his paces and try and get in there before he does with planting, by pushing him forward. He is at home with me, so not on a yard.

This! Don't let him get away with this for even a short time or you are setting yourself up to fail. You need to get tough, every single time. This behaviour is not acceptable so you must not tolerate it at all. Then he will stop trying it.


I disagree, you are not expecting too much, you are not expecting enough!

It is hard not to let him get away with it when he just doesn't move once planted, this is more my issue as mentioned above in that I need to 'get in there first' and stop him before he does it, but having only ridden him a handful of times, I don't have that insight into him just yet, but will definitely try to be more aware.

I just thought maybe I was expecting too much too soon in respect of he's just had a big upheaval and he could still be getting used to his new life... maybe I am being too soft though.

I had something similar with my mare and, as it turned out, she was absolutely trying it on, and winning, until (not proud of it but it worked) I started wearing spurs and taking a schooling whip and really went in hard as soon as she started to stop. Best done off a road and away from any bystanders! It worked though and she is now absolutely fine.

I do believe he is just trying it on, and winning, the same as your situation... you said about spurs, his old owner did have spurs on when she rode him for me on the first viewing, but that was when he was in the school as he hated schooling and had no interest in it and they said he was hard work because of this... but perhaps that hasn't helped. I didn't wear any when I tried him out, on his own, but then he was used to the area/where we were going.

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

If you've got the benefit of the old owner who'll help you through this, then that's excellent! I would take the fullest advantage of this, as she obviously knows the horse and as she's willing to help you both get started, that's great!

My old boy would do this when I first had him; he'd been in a trekking centre and had never been out solo, only followed the bum ahead. Once planted, he would then start backing up, then threaten to rear (much later in his life I found out he'd been taught to rear by a previous owner!!) - so right now you need to try and guard against the whole thing escalating. IF he plants, there's no shame in getting off and leading him past whatever the problem is, just for now, whilst you both gain confidence.

I personally don't feel he's in any way "trying it on", I feel more it is case of him not being sure whether he can trust you as his new Herd Leader.

Have a look at the Michael Peace website, and/or Kelly Marks, as these are people who have some practical suggestions for dealing with the sort of situation you've got.

You could also do stuff like groundwork, leading him over poles in the school, little "games" like setting up a TREC-type course and doing that with him, just to build up your confidence together. Also with cobs, you need to keep their brains focussed and stimulated and this would help with that.

See how you get on with the old owner helping you, for now. I suspect that you'll soon be hacking out quite happily!

 

[Leandy]

It is hard not to let him get away with it when he just doesn't move once planted, this is more my issue as mentioned above in that I need to 'get in there first' and stop him before he does it, but having only ridden him a handful of times, I don't have that insight into him just yet, but will definitely try to be more aware.

I just thought maybe I was expecting too much too soon in respect of he's just had a big upheaval and he could still be getting used to his new life... maybe I am being too soft though.

I'm sure he is still getting used to his new life, but he is not allowed to take advantage of you whilst he does so. He must be obedient at all times, that is the expectation. If you say move forward, he needs to say "yes ma'am" not "ok, maybe when I've got used to my new life..." You can help instill confidence in him by enforcing clear boundaries and expectations. Being too soft just reinforces that there is something to be unsure of, or that he doesn't have to bother being brave and can just nap back to the comfort zone of home.

 

[GG80]

If you've got the benefit of the old owner who'll help you through this, then that's excellent! I would take the fullest advantage of this, as she obviously knows the horse and as she's willing to help you both get started, that's great!

My old boy would do this when I first had him; he'd been in a trekking centre and had never been out solo, only followed the bum ahead. Once planted, he would then start backing up, then threaten to rear (much later in his life I found out he'd been taught to rear by a previous owner!!) - so right now you need to try and guard against the whole thing escalating. IF he plants, there's no shame in getting off and leading him past whatever the problem is, just for now, whilst you both gain confidence.

I personally don't feel he's in any way "trying it on", I feel more it is case of him not being sure whether he can trust you as his new Herd Leader.

Have a look at the Michael Peace website, and/or Kelly Marks, as these are people who have some practical suggestions for dealing with the sort of situation you've got.

You could also do stuff like groundwork, leading him over poles in the school, little "games" like setting up a TREC-type course and doing that with him, just to build up your confidence together. Also with cobs, you need to keep their brains focussed and stimulated and this would help with that.

See how you get on with the old owner helping you, for now. I suspect that you'll soon be hacking out quite happily!

Not sure how much she would be willing to help, but she has definitely offered it, so maybe I do need to take the offer up. I just didn't want to confuse my boy by having his old owner who he's known for 6 years come and ride him and then leave him again. I do appreciate her offer though.

His old owner used to ride him out solo, but did admit that he planted the first year (think I said 6 months above, but checked through our messages and she said a year) but then hadn't done it for years. He doesn't threaten to do anything, he just stands there. I agree that a lot of it is not having the trust in me yet. I will check out the two websites you suggest.

I really hope so, he is exactly what I was looking for and feel it was fate to have found him, but just need to get over this issue, which I hope we can do as I can't wait to get out and about both having fun.

 

[GG80]

I'm sure he is still getting used to his new life, but he is not allowed to take advantage of you whilst he does so. He must be obedient at all times, that is the expectation. If you say move forward, he needs to say "yes ma'am" not "ok, maybe when I've got used to my new life..." You can help instill confidence in him by enforcing clear boundaries and expectations. Being too soft just reinforces that there is something to be unsure of, or that he doesn't have to bother being brave and can just nap back to the comfort zone of home.

I agree that he needs to do as I say whilst still coming to terms with his new life, seems I need to harden up somewhat. I will just have to try and not worry what others think, if I need to get off and lead him round, and getting on and off (assuming I can find somewhere to do so) then I will, anything but letting him go home.

I have asked a friend who is going to ride out with me at the weekend and see what he is like then, in the meantime, hubby is going to walk out with me this evening, will lunge him tomorrow to get some ground manners (though couldn't fault him in that respect as he does listen to me) and hopefully get my friend to walk out with me later in the week. If I am still no further forward I will ask his old owner for help. Just saw doing that as a failure to both myself and him, but it is more important that we are both happy.

 

[Tarragon]

It is tricky isn't it!
I think you have a couple of options, and which option you take depends upon your ability as a rider.
One option is to just spend a bit more time with him in hand, both in the field or school, as well as out and about, so you can get to know each other a bit more. When I was trying to bring on a young, green and rather stubborn Highland pony for someone, the best thing for her was to lead out and then get on somewhere along the route. We Would set off together on a variety of routes and initially I wouldn't get on until nearly home, and then I gradually got on earlier and earlier until we were riding from the stables. It was a case of building up her confidence is small stages
The other option is to ride him through the planting using any of the classic tricks of:
- positive riding before it happens
- not letting them stand still by turning in tight circles or getting them to move their front feet
- back them past the sticking point
- using a whip-wop
- riding in company (either someone on foot, cycle or another horse)
- riding lessons in the school

 

[paddy555]

Do you use a schooling whip? It sounds like you don't, try carrying one and see if he's as nappy then. I'm not telling you to beat him, just the fact you have one may change his mindset.

use your schooling whip hard, really slam it down, not on him but on yourself. If you use it lightly you are just tickling him and it has no effect. If you use it hard on him you may think you risk him bucking which could be true and may worry you. What someone in this position could well do to resolve it is bring the schooling whip down hard on him the first time and accept the buck but it would bring it to an end. One single whack, a lot of choice words and he would get the message.
If you are not confident to do that bring the whip down hard on your leg. Make sure you ride in long boots or chaps in preparation. You are bringing the whip down to create a lot of noise and impact to shock him but it is not hitting him so there is no stimulus to buck.


I think you are being too soft, you are giving the benefit of every doubt and thinking of reasons why the poor little darling cannot do it. As Leandy said you are not expecting enough. I think you are overthinking the situation. There is no reason that seeing the old owner will confuse him. Don't try and put your thoughts onto him or use them to try and excuse his behaviour.

Horses see it in black and white. To his mind either you are the leader and he is the follower or vice versa. You ask and he does without question.
He is currently asking the question of "what if" and you are answering it by saying "do you want to, would you like your old owner, are you not feeling very fit, are you not settled in yet, not coming to terms with your new life" and every other reason.
All he wants is for you to step up, say I am the leader and get a bl**by move on. That will also make him feel more confident. He will know his place, he will have a confident leader who will not let him get away with stuff but who is confident enough to look after him whatever happens on the ride. He will feel safe, he can go back to being the follower in the herd of 2.
Whether you lead him, do in hand work or anything else the question in his mind is still going to be there. If I plant what will you do" Once he gets the answer he will be fine and a lovely horse.

Re your last post you are not a failure. You can be pretty sure that this has happened to everyone when they have got their new horse. The first time it happens you make a million excuses as to what you are doing wrong or how his new home is affecting him. The horse just sits back grinning at the situation. By the time people have bought their next horse they are well aware it is going to happen and are ready to nip it in the bud.