Becky1200
Member
Do people have any tips on getting a young horse to respect your space? I have a gelding who is very much in your face he uses this against you when leading and groundwork.
Respecting your space
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PatchyBabyHorse
Well-Known Member
How young?
With new youngsters who know nothing about people, I use a crisp bag tied to a stick and just shake it at them if they get in my face.
With new youngsters who know nothing about people, I use a crisp bag tied to a stick and just shake it at them if they get in my face.
AdorableAlice
Well-Known Member
No tit bits or anything out of hands or pockets and a blue pipe.
When he gets too close push him back with the pipe and expect him to stay where you put him. He moves when you invite him to. His behaviour will be learnt and encouraged behaviour that you need to stamp on before he is big, strong and even more rude. It might be a bit of tough love but you are doing him a favour and setting him up for life with good ground manners. A nicely mannered horse will have far more chance of a good home than a rude horse.
When he gets too close push him back with the pipe and expect him to stay where you put him. He moves when you invite him to. His behaviour will be learnt and encouraged behaviour that you need to stamp on before he is big, strong and even more rude. It might be a bit of tough love but you are doing him a favour and setting him up for life with good ground manners. A nicely mannered horse will have far more chance of a good home than a rude horse.
Goldenstar
Well-Known Member
Manners are life insurance for horses a dealer I worked with many years ago said this And it’s true .
AdorableAlice
Well-Known Member
It certainly is and very wise words. But things are changing with so many owners thinking their rude horses are normal. I do think a lot of people have no idea what a mannered horse actually is.
View
Well-Known Member
And so many people aren’t prepared to put the time in nor are consistent in their handling of the horse.
Horses are not silly - and they will behave differently for different handlers. I lost count of the times that I saw horses visibly relax in the riding school when I walked into their stable to assist the person having “trouble”. The poor horses were often unable to understand what was required of them, but when I asked/stated what was required of them clearly, there was no problem.
Consistency, and never try to do anything when you are constrained by time until you are sure that the horse will understand the question/requirement.
Horses are not silly - and they will behave differently for different handlers. I lost count of the times that I saw horses visibly relax in the riding school when I walked into their stable to assist the person having “trouble”. The poor horses were often unable to understand what was required of them, but when I asked/stated what was required of them clearly, there was no problem.
Consistency, and never try to do anything when you are constrained by time until you are sure that the horse will understand the question/requirement.
LadyGascoyne
Well-Known Member
Mimosa is very affectionate. If I ever felt she was on top of me, I asked her to back up a good few steps - not just one or two- and I made my own steps small as stepped back, widening the space between us. Big pat and /or bit of carrot for backing up and keeping her distance.
Now, if she’s in my space , I just say “back up, Mim” and she steps back.
I love that she shows so much affection but I realllllly don’t like feeling crowded. I’m the same with dogs, and jumping up - I love cuddling my dog but loathe being jumped at.
Now, if she’s in my space , I just say “back up, Mim” and she steps back.
I love that she shows so much affection but I realllllly don’t like feeling crowded. I’m the same with dogs, and jumping up - I love cuddling my dog but loathe being jumped at.