My horse won't be caught

Halfpass

Halfpass

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My horse is usually a saint to be caught. Not a waiting by the gate kind of horse but more than happy to come in.

Over the last couple of weeks she has started walking away from me. Nothing major just a few steps then stands and lets me get her.

Wed morning had vet coming for vaccines and she wouldn't let me nearer. Took me catching all other mares and 2 hours later and a hot sweaty stressed horse let me grab her.

Next morning she was fine let me catch her as usual.

Then this morning I went to get her in and she was same as wed. The minute she saw me she trotted off. I tried for a while but she was getting more and more wound up. I decided not to keep trying as had to be at work so left her out.

A friend was doing this evening so asked her to catch her and again my mare was having none of it.

What do I do now? Shall I go now and try or wait till morning? Why would a horse suddenly do this and am I now going to have an on going problem?

She feels the same to ride and is fit and well in herself.

She is not food orientated at all so can't use that to tempt her but she does have a head collar on. She is out in a huge 10 acre field!!

Any suggestions?
 
My horse has a history of back probs and started trying to evade being caught when his back prob flared up a few months ago. Do you think it could be that there is something about her work causing her discomfort and when you come to catch her she thinks it's work time?

Is there any food she likes at all that could help? Carrots, polos, apples, sweeties etc?

I also have a small pony who's just a monkey to catch and I find if I approach her looking at the ground, not directly square to her, no eye contact etc - so sort of crabbing towards her slowly she is much more willing to be caught.

Not sure if any of that will help, but all ideas eh? Hope you get to the bottom of it. There must be something going on if she's always been fine in the past and you aren't doing anything different!
 
Hels_Bells said:
My horse has a history of back probs and started trying to evade being caught when his back prob flared up a few months ago. Do you think it could be that there is something about her work causing her discomfort and when you come to catch her she thinks it's work time?

Is there any food she likes at all that could help? Carrots, polos, apples, sweeties etc?

I also have a small pony who's just a monkey to catch and I find if I approach her looking at the ground, not directly square to her, no eye contact etc - so sort of crabbing towards her slowly she is much more willing to be caught.

Not sure if any of that will help, but all ideas eh? Hope you get to the bottom of it. There must be something going on if she's always been fine in the past and you aren't doing anything different!
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Annoyingly I am usually the master at catching difficult horse. Why is it so difficult when its your own though!! Nope no food she likes really such a fussy madam. Me and OH are just contemplating braving the cold for another try!! Do have back lady out soon so will ask her to give her a good going over.
 
Hmmm, maybe she's just being a naughty girl giving mum a bit of a run around for fun!

Only thing I can think would be to get you and OH (and/or another willing helper) one either end of a lunge line to try and corner her, then you could go up with a headcollar. If she is usually fine I reckon that would make her give up, but could be risky if she bolted for it.
 
So have just been up the yard in -4 temps to catch my silly horse. I wouldn't have slept for worrying otherwise.
Took some bribary and blackmail but we got her. She is now happily munching hay in her stable.
Next question, should i turn her out tomorrow and risk the same happening again?
Shall I ride first then turnout or just not bother riding tomorrow?
 
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