My horse barged past me this morning out of the stable

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teasle

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And I could have been squashed. I was taken aback as this was the first time in the 3 years I have had him. His motivation was to get to the field as a new bit of fresh grass has been opened up. Can anyone tell me exactly what to do tomorrow to avoid a repeat. Thank you.
 
Make him get to the back of the stable before you open the door, then make him stay back when you open it, he needs to get into the right habits. I swing a rope at them if they're rude, then they can either move to the back or walk into the swinging rope, their choice.
 
He moved back to let me in with breakfast- but barged out when he had finished and I was coming to turn him out, Yes I can swing a rope at him but what do I do if he uses the time it takes me to open both bolts to come back to the front?
 
One of mine, as a youngster, used to barge sometimes even leap out of the stable every morning! I used to take him back in and make him walk out properly - basically a repeat process until he came out sensibly; sometimes it took up to a dozen attempts, but once he came out nicely he could go on into the field with lots of praise of course

Every time he rushed out, I took him back in. He soon got the idea :) and even now years later he will wait with the door open til I say he can come out - what a good boy!

Having said that, even as a one off situation like yours, I would follow the same process.
 
Firstly he needs to get into the habit of backing up everytime you approach his stable. So get him backing up, everytime. No matter what you are going in there for. Mine will back up before I've even reached the door.

Then once his learnt that, go in and put his headcollar on. If he tries to barge a quick "ah ah" and swing the rope at him. Make him back up again and stand. Open the door, if he tries to barge, then give a sharp tug on the lead rope and another firm "no" close door and back up. Keep repeating until you can have the door fully open without him dragging you out. Once his out the door and his walked calmly. Give a praise.
 
If he was mine he'd be in my rope halter and i'd be encouraging him to step back by voice and pushing back with the halter and my thumb wiggling in his chest/front of his neck if he didnt comply. Cheeky bisum
 
It happened when I was entering the stable to put on his headcollar- if I was in the stable and had put a headcollar on he would not have done it- he was not that determined . I just need to know how to get into the stable if he is by the door and in the frame of mind to do it again.
 
Get a length of chain a couple of tie rings and a couple of strong clips and put that across the door about mid chest (his) height so that even if the door is open he cannot barge out.
every time you go into the stable make him move and stand at the back of the stable and if he moves before you tell him, make him go back again.

Get tougher, if he barges you then jolly well barge him back.
 
Can you pop the headcollar on over the stable door? That would help and also you can put a chain link across the doorway so when you open the door the chain is still across. They are short term solutions whilst you teach him to move back and wait when you enter the stable.
 
I've had this problem!

I did a combination of things, waving a rope at her till she backed well away from the door, and then I'd open the door slightly to test her - only enough so that I could slam it if she barged. (does that make sense) So If she did barge - I slammed it shut and she got the rope in her face again! Built that up and continued this until she packed it in and she's only done it once since because we moved yards. It's so sodding rude!
 
agree with everything above. as he has not done it in 3 years he obviously knows how to behave properly, he just wanted to push the limits because he wanted out. dont let this one off time become a habit
 
Agree you need to nip this in the bud now, I would probably go in with my whip and he would be getting a sharp smack on the chest and shoved back. This will no doubt solve your problem quickly!
 
All ok this morning- thnk you all. All it took was to walk towards the stable ina purposeful way then I had a stick and tapped the air with it underhand and he moved away from the door -so could getin ok and everything ok from then onwent ok. He is a good boy really but will try it on with me.
 
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