Teaching Manners!

[DougalJ]

I am having a problem with my friends horse who has suddenly after three years decided to barge through the gate when bringing our three horses in. Its been happening on and off for a few weeks now. When putting a headcollar on the horse you want to bring in, he barges past then upon opening the gate he pushes straight through and canters to his box. On each occasion I have put a headcollar on him and put him back in the field and shut the gate and then make him wait. I then bring him in and make him walk a few paces, then stop and so on until he calmly gets to his box. He has cottened on to this now and refuses to go back to the field after he has barged through, by napping and semi rearing. After a long battle this afternoon I stuck to my guns and we did the whole routine again. Any suggestions to nip this behaviour in the bud. He is better with his owner, but still can try it on. Any suggestions please!

 

[Django Pony]

Try using a Dually Halter when putting him back in the field. They are brilliant! He needs to understand what is and isn't acceptable, so putting him right back where he should be is a good place to start. The Dually works on a pressure and release system, when the horse co-operates the pressure releases.
Kelly Marks' book Perfect Manners gives some excellent advice too. I loaned it from my local library, but loved it so much I bought a copy!
Hope that helps. xx

 

[Booboos]

I think you are right to take him straight back, that way he is not rewarded.

Could it be that he is a bit hungry? A handful of hay may keep him away from the gate while you get everyone else out.

 

[DougalJ]

Hi - Thanks for your replies. I will perhaps suggest to the owner the Dually Halter. The horses is definately not hungry as has large hay bales in field, just think being he is being bolshy and trying it on!