Manners

[Ceriann]

I've had my up's and down's with my riding mare but have come through the other side with a lot of them. When i got her 12 months or so ago she was failry laid back but lacked manners - she'd walk through me in the stable, couple of head butts when i got in the way of her food, wouldnt stand still and was like a cyclist on speed to have her front feet picked - not aggressive just lacked manners and an understanding of my space.

She is now much improved, leads well, respects my space (especially in the stable) and is good to pick feet (still working on getting her to stand to be groomed - she's not a fan and get's bored so fidgets after a while) BUT the one thing that she still does and its driving me crackers is that she threatens to bite if pushed to do something she doesnt want to. For example, if she fidgets to stand and i make her move sideways, she will turn and mouth at me, if i make her back up in the same situation she will do the same. On occassion, if i brush under her belly (she's sensitive there so i use a soft brush) she threatens to bite. She never does (though im never sure if its because she's just threatening to or because im so aware of it that i block her). Today in the field, i needed to move her (in front of her pile of hay and haylage) and i got the ears down mouth face - made me get her halter and get her to move over and back for me a few times (she was most indignant about it and did mouth at me a lot).

She gets no treats (due to this behaviour) and she gets a sharp no if she does it or a block with a finger or elbow (i have smacked her on the shoulder when's got too close) but it doesnt seem to be improving. I dont want a horse that behaves like this (my older mare is a real lady and has never as much as looked at me sideways) and its starting to really frustrate me and put a dampner on the time i spend with her. Im not scared of her but i am wary - could she be picking up on this? I also tend to get annoyed/angry with her.

She's had teeth, back and saddle checked (now on third saddle in 3 months) and is in good health. Any suggestions (if youve managed to get through the above) would be appreciated.

 

[Love]

Just a thought, and I know it seems this is the first thing everyone shouts when there is a problem, but when you move her do you apply pressure to her tummy? I only ask as you say she is the same when you brush her there so she could be sensitive or sore in that area - could ulcers be an issue?

 

[Embo]

My gelding has impeccable manners and is mostly a dope on a rope when it comes to everyday handling. But he HATES if I put my hand on him to move him over in his stable. Ears go back, tail swish and a very sour face. Not because he's sensitive, I can brush him all over with a rough brush and he's fine, not girthy or anything. Not sure why I get this reaction, but I trained him to move over and back by voice and he is much happier about this.

 

[Pinkvboots]

My gelding has impeccable manners and is mostly a dope on a rope when it comes to everyday handling. But he HATES if I put my hand on him to move him over in his stable. Ears go back, tail swish and a very sour face. Not because he's sensitive, I can brush him all over with a rough brush and he's fine, not girthy or anything. Not sure why I get this reaction, but I trained him to move over and back by voice and he is much happier about this.

My old mare was like this, although she hated being groomed and I did the same and trained my mare by voice and just moved my hand toward her and she used to move over no problem, I think some horses just dont like being touched too much, my mare was also very sensitive to leg aids, too much and she would let you know through her face.

 

[Ceriann]

Just a thought, and I know it seems this is the first thing everyone shouts when there is a problem, but when you move her do you apply pressure to her tummy? I only ask as you say she is the same when you brush her there so she could be sensitive or sore in that area - could ulcers be an issue?

Not really - i tend to but my palm on her side and avoid any real pressure. She's not girthy but she's not a fan of being touched at all really (not a cuddly mare at all). I discussed ulcers with my vet when i was having saddle issues with her (resolved now) and they ddnt think there was enough to warrant scoping but i will discuss it with them again.

 

[Ceriann]

My old mare was like this, although she hated being groomed and I did the same and trained my mare by voice and just moved my hand toward her and she used to move over no problem, I think some horses just dont like being touched too much, my mare was also very sensitive to leg aids, too much and she would let you know through her face.

That's interesting - she's not a fan of grooming (every now and again she will appear to tolerate it) and hates fuss of any sort (every now and again she will like a tickle under the chin) so perhaps by facing it head on im making it worse - im currently making a point of handling her more (convincing myself she's trying to dominate me). When you say youve trained to move across with voice - how have you shown her to do this without touching her? By moving your hand toward her whilst using voice commands?