Hose hating horse

Gusbear

Gusbear

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My lovely boy seems to think the hose is a giant snake that wants to kill him. He practically hyperventilates every time he sees it. I've managed to get him over his initial fear of the horse killing sponge (evil things are sponges) so he now is at the point he can enjoy a half decent wash down when he is sweaty after a ride.
Trouble is he is beyond dirty and I've found all manner of things in his mane and tail so I really want to tackle the grunge that is currently living in there.
I don't want to freak him out by forcing him to endure a hose down, however now the weather is better I really need to get to and give him a good 'spring clean'.
Not sure where to start really? He is only a youngster so is still getting used to lots of new things.
Any ideas?
 
Gusbear said:
My lovely boy seems to think the hose is a giant snake that wants to kill him. He practically hyperventilates every time he sees it. I've managed to get him over his initial fear of the horse killing sponge (evil things are sponges) so he now is at the point he can enjoy a half decent wash down when he is sweaty after a ride.
Trouble is he is beyond dirty and I've found all manner of things in his mane and tail so I really want to tackle the grunge that is currently living in there.
I don't want to freak him out by forcing him to endure a hose down, however now the weather is better I really need to get to and give him a good 'spring clean'.
Not sure where to start really? He is only a youngster so is still getting used to lots of new things.
Any ideas?
Click to expand...

Slowly slowly catch a monkey as they say :) start by leaving the hose on the ground whilst grooming him every day, then pick the hose up then put it back down without turning it on. Next, turn the hose on but still leaving it on the ground do this a few times he will get use to it.

Then gradually pick up the hose while its on then slowing start by wetting his feet then gradually over a period of time you'll be able to wet him all over with
it.

Take it really slowly and he'll be fine
 
I agree with debsey1 - get him used to the hose and then the hose+water very gradually. It's definitely better to stand there a little while and hose their hoof/leg, just until they realise that it's only water coming out the scary end.

Maybe your youngster also dislikes the fact that the water feels cold on his back? Mine hates cold water over his back and hindquarters, unless it's a very, very hot day.
 
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Yeah probably the cold water! 4yo tb does get grumpy about the horse eating sponge also, I can give him a wipe down with a teeny bit of shampoo and water, then squeeze water out of the sponge to rinse him, but forget about pouring water on him (he also doesn't like puddles or mud the pansy) I am dying to get stuck in there and lather him up, I stroke him once and my hand is coated in grime :-(
 
Npage123, think you might be right re the title.
Thanks for the advice. He was initially funny about any water being anywhere near him, regardless of it being hot or cold.
I get the feeling he has never been hosed down before I bought him so it's all a bit new to him.
I'll certainly try the slowly, slowly catch a monkey as I suspect my poor boy has yet to encompass the wonderful world of hoses, water and a good wash down.
Funny how they seem to be OK with the things we think will spook them out, yet the mundane things to us, like a drop of water send them into the stratosphere!
Looks like I'll have a mingin' neddy until such time we both come to grips with the horse killing hose. :D
 
As already said just take it slow. Only thing to add is that I get them used to water running under their feet first, so tipping over their water while tied up, lots of splashing while washing with a sponge & bucket. Plus tying up next to something sensible having a hose down lots of times. And playful types quite often enjoy drinking from it, so I tend to make it a game, letting them drink then up the shoulder, back to the mouth etc, gradually increasing how long I hose the body for. Plus making it quick at first, preferably after a good ride on a hot day.
 
My boy was petrified and we housed him, so we had him on a 12ft rope, he went a bit barmy to begin with but as soon as he stood still with the hose on him we stopped. Eventually when i was drenched from head to toe he realised standing was easier amd quicker, still get the occasional tap dance but mostly he is now perfect amd sometimes enjoys it!
 
Great advice on taking it slow :)

Use an Approach and retreat method... bring hose gradually closer (or bring horse closer to hose) in very small steps, and remember - what the horse wants is to be further away from the hose, so what he wants is for it to go away. When he gets what he wants, he's more likely to do the same thing next time... the behaviour he's doing is reinforced. So make sure the horse is doing what you want before you get further away from the scary thing :). what you're trying to do is work out at what distance the horse starts to notice there's a scary snake with water... and then don't bring it any closer but wait, hold the distance, until the horse relaxes and looks at it without concern ("phew, that's OK, it's not coming for me!). At that moment, move it away ;) - you just reinforced horse standing relaxed :)

Regroup, and repeat the exercise... always working in the "close enough to pay attention to hose but not so close the horse is worried" zone - and definitely never so close that they want to move away :) You will find you get a little closer each time... and then you can move on to "horse stands on wet bit, relaxes, you move them off" and "Horse stands in puddle, relaxes, you move them away"... right up to "hose running next to horse, move it away, hose splashes hooves slightly, horse stands for even a second, you move it away...".

Working on this, you work your way right up to "hose down horse with pressure washer" :D. But keep the steps small, look for the horse relaxing with the step you're on, and try to keep the steps so small the horse doesn't feel the need to. move away. Good luck with it and enjoy happy hosing :D
 
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