stubborn to come in... arrgh!

[swampdonkey]

Hi, wondering if anyone has any ideas to help me.
The last 2 weeks my boy has been so stubborn to bring in at night. He will plant, always get him moving but still annoying, then I virtually have to drag him every step of the way.
Tried praising for good forward steps, tried a good smack with the schooling whip, (rug on, so don't think this makes him bat an eyelid), tried just waiting it out. It is getting frustrating.
Nothing has changed in the field, he loves his stable when he gets there, just can't think why he is doing this and any other ideas how to get him moving.
He always walked in slowly but he has taken it to a new extreme.
Any help or ideas appreciated.

 

[jenni999]

Is it because his friends are still out and he wants to stay with them? If so, can one of them come in with him. Have you tried staggering the times you try and bring him in, maybe he will be more keen if its a bit later? Doesn't help if you want to ride but might answer the question...

 

[tallyho!]

Laminitis?

 

[swampdonkey]

its not laminitis, i did ask farrier last week if he seemed a bit foot sore but he said no sign of it, i knew myself really because he walks out in the morning quick enough and he is forward to ride still.
His field has a mixture of horses out all the time and some come in, bringing him in with another didn't seem to make a lot of difference to be honest.
He has hay in the field so obviously not hungry so bringing him in for dinner is not enticing enough!!

 

[CBFan]

My boy can be like this at various times of year (has been for the last 3 years (most of his life!), either coming in or going out depending on his mood. I have tried all the things you have said but most recently shoving a treat under his nose has worked! lol!

I have been concerned about sore feet but it doesn't really add up. Got trimmer coming on Sunday so I'll have a word with her then.

 

[mirage]

Knobberpony can be like this and will do it coming in or going out.There is no rhyme or reason to it,she'll do it just because she feels like it.When she plants I move her sideways [easier to do as they can't keep their balance],and we go in a circle,then forwards.She normally gives up after one circle but we have circled all the way down a field before now,but we always get where we are going.I refuse to be beaten by an elderly pony.

 

[traceyann]

I used to have one that did this like the above said move side to side and unbalance them and keep doing it and take a whip and smart smack on the belly where theres no rug.