stubborn cob

[hunteress]

My cob has got worse when I bring him in he stands at the washroom door and will not walk in he just plants his feet untill i get mad and swish a dressage whip at him but the other day that didn't even work, and then B----r me my 2 year old did this as well is it me !!!! r they taking the P--s !!! I know he's stubborn and cobs are strong willed ive had him since he was 4 he's now 14 and it seems to be getting worse.

 

[canteron]

I don't think your cob is being stubborn, I think he is clever enough to tell you that he doesn't like what is happening in the washroom (I am assuming you want him to go in). He clearly knows you very well.

If the dressage whip swishing isn't working, maybe try a couple of other things.

1. Negative. Don't let him plant, even if you just make him move back and forward a step - or side to side. Lots of praise when he goes forward, but treat like napping if he goes back (ie don't let him turn away). Keep pressure on if he is going back, but reward with less pressure and lots of praise, when he is coming forward.

2. Positive. Make the experience of going in great! This in the horse world normally means food. I think your clever cob would change his attitude pretty quick!

Does he hate being washed? Is he a softie who really would like warmer water? Just try and give him a good reason for loving being washed!!

I also have a clever cob, who knows me so well, that I am always having to think of ways to engage her!!

 

[hunteress]

I don't think your cob is being stubborn, I think he is clever enough to tell you that he doesn't like what is happening in the washroom (I am assuming you want him to go in). He clearly knows you very well.

If the dressage whip swishing isn't working, maybe try a couple of other things.

1. Negative. Don't let him plant, even if you just make him move back and forward a step - or side to side. Lots of praise when he goes forward, but treat like napping if he goes back (ie don't let him turn away). Keep pressure on if he is going back, but reward with less pressure and lots of praise, when he is coming forward.

2. Positive. Make the experience of going in great! This in the horse world normally means food. I think your clever cob would change his attitude pretty quick!

Does he hate being washed? Is he a softie who really would like warmer water? Just try and give him a good reason for loving being washed!!Yes he is a very clever cob he is almost human ! I have tried all the things you have listed and he do's have hot water on tap and I am very careful not to let him get cold it is a kind of napping as if i don't keep my leg on while hacking out he go'd slower and slower till we turn for home,at 14 I dont think he's going to change now will try the food he loves mints. He's the best ever hunter ive had he jumps like a stag and looks after his old mum I love him to bits thats why I will never sell him he's got a brother coming up the ranks and funnilly enough like I said he's doing the same but not as bad I wouldn't call myself a pushover either as ive had horses all my life and he's fab under saddle out hunting anyone else he would take the P--s the farrier always says if he gets him out to be shod and I'm not around as soon as I turn up he knows just like we are connected the farrier says my horse loves me to bits and has never seen this before.

I also have a clever cob, who knows me so well, that I am always having to think of ways to engage her!!

Thanks so much for your reply.

 

[kathantoinette]

My cob got wise to the 'wash bay'! I started parking him there every night regardless of whether washing activites needed to be done. So sometimes just picked his feet out and then took him away. He didn't associate the area with being washed every time then.

 

[AmyMay]

Do you have to wash him when you bring him in?

I'd be planting too

 

[Jill Crewe]

my new cob didn't seem to like evening wash time either and just danced around. he's getting better now as he gets a treat when he stands still and I have the hose on a lower pressure. warm water is a good idea if poss.

the plan of not always washing but doing something different is a good idea too.

it's all about out smarting them I've come to realise...can't win on strength

 

[hunteress]

My cob got wise to the 'wash bay'! I started parking him there every night regardless of whether washing activites needed to be done. So sometimes just picked his feet out and then took him away. He didn't associate the area with being washed every time then.

Yes I do that as well so he's not getting washed all the time even though I hunt twice a week I do keep him well covered. But also when I put him in his sable he wont come out !! he's out 24/7 unless its wet ! maybe he's just testing me, thanks.

 

[hunteress]

my new cob didn't seem to like evening wash time either and just danced around. he's getting better now as he gets a treat when he stands still and I have the hose on a lower pressure. warm water is a good idea if poss.

the plan of not always washing but doing something different is a good idea too.

it's all about out smarting them I've come to realise...can't win on strength

They are strong little B----rs arn't they its a true saying Got a COB on !! ha ha

 

[Shysmum]

Oo yes, if you use pig oil and sulphur, all the mud slides off overnight, and I never ever wash. Only the mane and tail maybe once a month, but I oil them up too. Hope that helps.

 

[hunteress]

Oo yes, if you use pig oil and sulphur, all the mud slides off overnight, and I never ever wash. Only the mane and tail maybe once a month, but I oil them up too. Hope that helps.

Thanks but pig oil and s sounds horrible and smelly !! I use mud away net tex