putting a collar on a horse & the horse doesnt budge then stamps

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leanne_dando

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When you put a head collar on a horse then try to walk it and it doesn't budge, then stamps his back hoof.... is that a warning that you should back the hell a way?? Since a kid I have loved horses but lessons were to pricey so never got the chance to ride. Anyway I am now 25 and a "friend" has had horses all her life and said she would teach me to care for them and ride. I think she lost interest and doesn't bother much with her horse as she can never be bothered to go there with me and often goes out riding her friends horse that she is currently learning things on. but has said I can go up on my own, put her head collar on, take her out of the field and groom her if I want. I was buzzing at the idea! Anyway... I went there but walking up to her horse, she kept backing away... me not having much confidence thought ok, I will leave you alone and wait til my friend is ready to show me how to handle her. Spoke to my friend that said the horse is fine, she weren't do anything otherwise she wouldn't let me do it on my own.. so just put her collar on and make her move... Again, I went back up with treats and a bit more confidence. Got her head collar on and tried walking her, she wouldn't budge. I was saying "walk on" and tugging she then stepped back and stamped her back hoof. I may be uneducated in horse behaviour but im pretty sure that means leave me alone? I took her collar off and got my ar$e out of the field. My friend still hasn't had the time to show me anything but is adamant her horse is lovely and just being stubborn because she knows im nervous? So the stamping? surly that means she is getting angry? I don't plan on going back up on my own as I really need guidance but I feel silly if the horse wouldn't hurt me but is playing me because she senses my fear?
 
Sounds like the horse figured you were nervous or lacking in confidence and decided not to move. Foot stamping has nothing to do with aggression , they probably had an itchy leg or something else irritating them! I'd wait for your friend to come up with you.
 
It sounds like this horse is taking the pee as it knows you're lacking confidence and inexperienced.

If I were you I'd wait until your friend has time to help you a few times before going up unaccompanied again.
 
Don't give up. Sounds like you're not going to get much help from your friend. Sometimes horses show their uncertainty about situations by standing still; show her you are the leader by moving her feet. If she 'plants' ie stands still, instead of trying to move her forward, try moving her at an angle to your right or left. Imagine that forward is 12 on the clock, go to the 3 or 9 position and I promise you, she will move. Even if its a step or two then stops, change direction. Keep zig zagging til you get where you want to go. You'll only have to do this a couple of times until she gives up! Good luck, be firm and let us know how you get one.
 
My friend's cob used to play me up when I first started handling him. He realised that I was being a bit tentative and tried taking advantage. When leading him he'd plant and not shift. I'd either turn him around or back up him up and ask him to walk again..and again lol. I'd be there till doomsday if I'd tried tugging him.
Try to get someone to show you how to lead and maybe do some ground work with him. Meanwhile big breath think forwards and move with intent. :)
PS. That's him in my Avatar..:) thug!
 
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