Stubborn Donkey

[Rosie_V]

Well, he is affectionately known as ‘Donkey’
My young horse and started to put the brakes on when he doesn’t want to do something. He is not nasty or naughty and it’s only when on the ground. He may decide on his way in from field that he doesn’t want to come in, he will happily let you catch him and walk out, leave his pals then decide to plant and not walk up the lane (back to the yard) or similarly when going to the hose for a leg wash. It’s quite frustrating when I’m on my own with another a clap behind normally does the trick. He isn’t scared of anything. I sometimes take a whip with me to tap him on the bum ( it doesn’t always work) Any suggestions welcome?

 

[Birker2020]

Well, he is affectionately known as ‘Donkey’
My young horse and started to put the brakes on when he doesn’t want to do something. He is not nasty or naughty and it’s only when on the ground. He may decide on his way in from field that he doesn’t want to come in, he will happily let you catch him and walk out, leave his pals then decide to plant and not walk up the lane (back to the yard) or similarly when going to the hose for a leg wash. It’s quite frustrating when I’m on my own with another a clap behind normally does the trick. He isn’t scared of anything. I sometimes take a whip with me to tap him on the bum ( it doesn’t always work) Any suggestions welcome?

When he plants turn him and walk him backwards in the direction you want to go, it might take a bit of practice but he will get there in the end. You might want to invest in a dually or similar and learn 'into pressure' techniques. The dually works quite well on new boy, it's obvious he's not a stranger to one.

 

[AmyMay]

Circles

 

[Rosie_V]

Thank you for the response. I am trying the circles, it’s a bit hit n miss ?

 

[Highmileagecob]

He's challenging you! We had this on our yard with a 20y.o. rescue who quite clearly knew every trick in the book! Circles, backing a few steps, push him over from the shoulder and as soon as he steps sideways walk on. Try not to face him when he is being naughty as this is his signal that you are blocking his path and he will stop. It may take some time for him to learn that you give the instructions and he follows, but most of them get there.

 

[Rosie_V]

Thank you for the response

 

[Nasicus]

When mine plant, I just apply firm pressure on the lead rope in the direction I want to go, and hold it until they make even the slightest movement forward then instantly release and verbally praise as I continue onwards. Sometimes we can be stood there like that for a little while, but it always works and I only rarely have to bring that one into play now a days (and even then usually only because they don't want to walk through a muddy patch!).
It works for them, your mileage may vary. I like it because it's making them think about it and decide that following is easier/less annoying than standing there with a gentle pressure on their head, as opposed to moving away from some outside force (such as a clap).

 

[Peglo]

Same as above, although putting mine back in the field is when I have the issues ?, I put pressure on the rope until she decides to move. Occasionally if I’m in a hurry (like needing to pee, desperate measures ?) I will tempt her forwards with a treat.

 

[Lady Jane]

Teach pressure/release techniques with a training type halter. My young horse did that when he didn't want to leave his pals in the field. Juts wouldn't move turn any direction - didn't try to pull away. Once he understood pressure & release he was fine. I tried circles and backing up first

 

[Cortez]

Do some in-hand training on go and stop. Tap him a bit harder if he's ignoring you.