livery dilema

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not_with_it

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As much as I would love to have my horse on DIY it would be impossible with the shifts that I work, so she is on full livery.
The problem is she is becoming really difficult for the YO to catch. I have told the YO that in no uncertain terms must her headcollar be left on after she had an accident last year which required stitches. Ive just been to the yard to find she had been turned out in a headcollar with around 1 metre of plaited bailer twine attached to it.

She always used to be so good to catch and most of the time she comes straight to me. Last week she had to be separated from her friend after I saw him mount her on several occasions causing her to have a sore back. She is used to being out on her own as she was on her own up until about 1 month ago.

I really dont know what to suggest. Leaving a headcollar on is not a option but she does wear a fly mask. Ive said I will fetch her in today and tomorrow as im not at work and I should be able to fetch her in over the weekend if I finish work on time.
 
If your mare lets you catch her but not the yard owner, I be asking why that is!!! If you're paying them, they should be doing as you ask and whilst I understand how frustrating it can be if a horse won't be caught, are they liable if she is injured wearing a head collar?
 
She already has a leather headcollar but due to her getting her head stuck in the fence last year I do not want her wearing a headcollar in the field. It really is a pet hate of mine. Besides it doesnt matter if she is wearing a headcollar or not, she gets herself in such a state that shes too scared to come near you, hence YO putting the baler twine on the headcollar.
 
I guess there are a number of reasons why she doesn't want to be caught;

-Doesn't like the person catching her
-Doesn't want to come in as dislikes something on her way indoors/indoors
-Prefers something outside (perhaps grass!)

I'd guess it is the first of this list. I would be concerned about this not just from a catching point of view, but also if this person is handling her in other capacities.

I think it might be best to go together and catch her so that she can see how it works with you. The horse may begin to trust her more if she sees this person with you and perhaps when you catch her this person gives her a nice scratch on the wither and a little treat.

You could also (on a seperate occasion) stand back out of view and watch this person catching to see how it works/doesn't work!! This person should watch her body language so as not to approach in a 'head on' aggressive manner.

Does this person take food as a treat???

I agree with you that horse wearing a headcollar is not the best scenario.
 
Agree with the above that its likely to be the attitude and body language of the person going to catch her.
One of the many reasons I have mine on DIY is she's a tricky madam and when others go to catch her they approach her all wrong and get frustrated, shout at her, etc, etc, she then gets labelled as 'dangerous' as she's carrering round the field. Oh and I'll never forget when some idiot tried to lead her in on her fieldsafe headcollar!
For me she comes in no problem but thats because I know how to approach her.
I'd show YO how you catch her and give her some tips on body language when catching the mare!
 
Yes, chances are this person doesn't want to faff about, just wants to walk straight up and get her in. She may need to be more patient - Perhaps approaching at a slower speed - towards the shoulder, rather than head-on and looking at horse's face. (look at shoulder instead). (Suggest taking a passive stance, rounding shoulders). If she can spare the time and be patient for a few times things will most likely improve. If the horse moves away then person should not chase around field! Wait with a treat and see if the horse comes towards her eventually.
 
Yes everything that Mickey said should work perfectly!
Situations like this do annoy me. Full livery isn't cheap and the YO offering this should be prepared to overcome little issues like this one in the correct way. Putting a headcollar on isn't solving the problem- the mare will soon learn to not let the YO close enough so she can grab the headcollar.
The YO should be more than happy to work with you on this, seeing as you are paying her to have your horse looked after correctly. The YO should be experienced enough and patient enough to sympathetically work with your mare. What Mickey said really does work. I hope your YO is willing to listen and take on board what you have to say. The yard I mentioned previously actually through stones (big stones) at my mare when she wouldn't come in and hit her head very hard
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