Horse wno't leave stable

[charlyan]

HELP! I have a Welsh cross who is very well behaved and responsive however 2 days ago he knocked his flank going into his stable with a bit of a bang on the door frame. Although he's not been injured other than prob a bit bruised he now refuses to come back out the door. I've been working with him trying to coax him gently with food, etc and reassurance and I think he wants to but doesn't trust the door not to hurt him again. He'll come as far as the threshold and will stretch his head out but will not step over. Obviously I do not want to make it any more stressful for him and am remaining calm as best I can- we tried for nearly 2 hours tonight to coax him out- getting so far and then he would retreat again. he has a large indoor stable that he shares with a Shetland who was trotting in and out quite happily but he could not be persuaded- any tips? PS he's normally a very calm horse who settles wherever he is.

 

[Caritas]

I would just carry on as you are doing and even get someone behind him to gently push him from behind. Even though he is obviously scared, he still has to trust you and do as you ask of him. Just obviously be very careful that the door doesnt close on him again. Once he has been in and out a few times it will get easier but it could be months before he forgets, if ever. Good luck.

 

[passie]

If it gets really bad, and you can't get him out like that you could stop his food in the stable. he may come out when he's hungry enough.

 

[JaneMBE]

Blindfold him, walk him in a circle then out of the door?

 

[Happytohack]

If he is in a stable on a secure yard - can't you just leave his food/hay/water outside and leave the door open and let him come out when he is ready?

 

[MagicMelon]

Can you pen off a bit outside? Then you could put all his food outside, leave the door open and just leave him to it.

 

[cheeryplatypus]

agree with above, perhaps you have to reward him for only putting his nose out at first and build up to it, keep smiling at him so he doesn't see you're worried, if all else fails try the blindfold if it doesn't scare him too much

 

[cazza]

I have had the same problem with one of my horses, in the end spoke to the yard owner and we barricaded a section on the yard off around the stable, put her water, and all food outside the stable and barred anyone from giving her anything. It took just over 2 days (this was due to people not listening and giving her feed and water when either me or the yard owner were not about) for her to come out. Once she had done it by herself rather than being forced she sorted out her mindblock all by herself and didn't have a problem since.

 

[wattsy]

oh dear, poor little man - just another couple of suggestions for you to try. If he backs nicely in hand, how about backing him out? Or putting on a rug which may possibly make him feel a bit more protected. Or even have someone stand by the offending doorframe to sort of shield him from it. Can't think of anything else to help - really wish you the best of luck.

 

[charlyan]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Success today!!! Through it all he seemed more secure when I was standing next to him, which is a relief that he still had trust in me. We have succesfully got him out and back in again today having somebody behind him with a lunge whip- we didn't have to do anything with it, just blocking a retreat and encouraging him forward. he works well on the lunge and when he sees the line he automatically moves away from it, so just having it held behind him was enough to move him forwards. He was reluctant at first going back in tonight but approaching with the whip from behind was enough for him to go in. It will obviously take time to get him comfortable with doors but we'll keep working him gently, making sure he's protected. Thanks again for all your kind words and advice.