Horses that won't be caught...

[angellauren]

I've read in the past on previous topics about ponies and horses refusing to be caught and it looks like I might have a case on my hands! My pony has always been super to catch, never ever has he been a problem and usually beats me to the gate! I got a new foal in Feb and he hadn't been handled at all. They were temporarily in our walled garden where it was close to the yard so he could follow my one in and it was just a more secure environment for me to work with him in etc. I've got him leading well now and he was never really a problem to catch, he'd sometimes wander off but wouldn't put up much of a fight and if he was being more annoying than usual I'd take my other one in first then he'd follow.

Now, I decided I was happy enough handling him for then to go in the new paddock. Okay, so the grazing in here is really very good as its been rested and looked after so obviously he seems pretty chuffed about this! Other pony still good as gold to come in and about half the time so far, the young one hasn't been too bad... But worse than usual but with the grass he probably isn't wanting to come in. Tonight he was not going to be caught though and I spent an hour or so trying, in the rain. How do you know when enoughs enough??? At what point do you say, right I can't catch them, i give up! What's the best way to handle the situation? I've not had to deal with this before and I stayed patient, didn't get mad, just tired legs! But I can see my patience being tested if it continues and I don't want to go backwards and send out the wrong signals?

Personal experiences? How do you cope?! He's not really treat orientated either so wouldn't be v interested in food bribes.

 

[ROMANY 1959]

Well this is my story the last few days!!! I am sure it's down to ,well partly, the grass.... New horse, first time on summer field, out with 6 horses, been on individual turnout due to wet fields and yard rules for new horses... Went out Sunday and not been able to catch since... Got to scratch neck today, but one sniff of roap and she was off... Patience is the key I've been told. Tomorrow I am taking a bucket to sit on and bag of apple bits and see if she will get curious to come to me. yO said she will be caught no ifs or buts, but it may need others to go in first, her last... Going to work on it weekend in round pen... Good luck.

 

[metalmare]

Could you tell us more of what you tried?

Does he go out in a headcollar? Did you try tempting him with feed? How did you react, as getting frustrated and walking towas them head on tends to send the wrong vibes and make things worse, whereas if you seemingly lose interest and try the old sidling backwards / sideways to the horse it seems less confrontational.

You may have already thought of all these things.

 

[angellauren]

Sorry - yes! He's not really been fed from a bucket or given treats yet so shows no interest. I was always side on really as I couldn't get in front of him. He is turned out in his head collar as I was half predicting he might do this so left it on but I can't get anywhere near his head/neck!

Glad to hear im not the only one... It's raining really heavy now - I hope he's happy!

 

[MerrySherryRider]

Before you start, read and have a look on U tube to watch video's of pro's techniques. Body language is pretty important. I've often watched my cob who can direct each footfall with total precision of two young filly's in his charge. If only I had his skill.

I have an 'uncatchable' mare and although she's fine to catch now, I never assume she will be. Apart from body language, two rules I stick to, are, once I start to try to catch her, I never give up. And the second rule is, to ensure I have as much time as it takes.

I don't try and trick her, I don't try and grab her and I never hide the headcollar. She has to make the decision to accept the headcollar otherwise, being a smart horse, her trust would be lost.

Turning her out in a headcollar is a waste of time, she's very sharp.

At her worst, it helped in having a helper so we could approach from either side, this usually enabled her to comply within a couple of minutes.

The other thing I found was that although I concentrated on appearing calm and unhurried, she saw through me and knew full well that after an hour or two, I was having evil thoughts about a vet and a bullet. Singing seemed to keep my breathing and composure and made a difference in her attitude.

As your uncatchable is a baby, you're fortunate not to be inheriting someone else's problem, so spending time on cracking this is quite a worthwhile investment. Good luck.