Two steps forward and two steps back!

T

TheOreoPony

Member
Joined
17 March 2016
Messages
11
Visit site
Firstly I'd like to say hello H&H Forums! I've been a long time lurker on here and decided it's time to finally make a post.

I own a golden 2 year old Welsh X, he's very good with cars and new things, lovely mover and I can't wait to see him grow up. We are having a few issues at the moment however that have only cropped up in the last few days and I'd like some thoughts and advice.

I currently lead him in a dually but rarely use the schooling rings as he's usually so good.
We recently had to move around to the other side of the yard due to circumstances and he just doesn't seem to settle and works himself up. Today he was barging, panicking and managed to pull away from where he was tied and attempted to get around the other side. Yesterday I put him in the stable when it was raining heavily and he was circling and barging the door by rearing slightly as if trying to jump out! He was also stamping his feet and just generally stressed. The lady I brought him off said it's what youngsters are like, but I don't tolerate behavior like this and believe it's because the side we are now on doesn't have any horses on so he panics because he can't see anyone else.
The other problem that we didn't have before is when leading he will now drag me to grass to eat. He's not underweight, currently out 24/7 and given plenty of hay. I find myself constantly fighting for him to get his head up. He used to do it occasionally when walking out but now the problem has gotten a lot worse. I will try and lead him with the schooling ring instead but feel like the progress we had made has gone out the window.
I brought him when he had been handled very little, horrible with having his feet lifted and had never been in a stable before.

My little monster -

img_2518kirfb.jpg

img_2005feqzu.jpg

img_2006peo4s.jpg

(Excuse all the mud! We're at a different yard now.)
 
Agree he's most likely unsettled as he's on his own without other horses for company. Can you look to move other horses over to be with him or move him back to where he was settled? If not I'd be looking at other yards with a more suitable setup for a youngster. Best of luck.
 
I agree that he's pining for company. Youngsters in particular can become quite panicky if they can't see their friends.

Have you ever allowed him to eat grass in hand? For youngsters (and complete foodies) even allowing it once can lead to some confusion, so until in-hand manners are well established, it's sometimes best avoided. Find ways to keep his focus on you when leading. Sometimes clicker training can help and can be a fun way of engaging the interest of youngsters. If that fails then the schooling ring might be a good idea. It's imperative that he doesn't get into the habit of dragging you. He's only going to get bigger, stronger and more wily :)
 
Mike007 said:
So true Orca !
Click to expand...

Thank you Mike!

To add, it's not uncommon for some youngsters (and even older horses) to find the sounds of rain different and difficult when in a new stable. It can make a heck of a noise and at the yard I'm on, two horses nearly made swift exits from their stables during our last real rain storm. So, I would say that's a slightly separate issue from the ones of loneliness and panicking due to a lack of company but is still panicking.

You say you don't tolerate behaviour like this but sometimes, behaviour like this is them trying to communicate or display their discomfort and is not a display of naughtiness. I find behaviours all have to be approached differently, according to the cause. i.e. telling him off, for example, will only exacerbate his anxiety, whereas reassurance might help calm him. Dragging you for grass, on the other hand, is rude and I'd say warrants firmness. Each situation is so unique :)
 
Mike007 said:
Orca ,you are on a roll here .I have never even thought about the sound of rain on a tin roof.
Click to expand...

Neither had I, until I found myself with a large cob trying to hide herself in my armpit, while making a grab for two others who had taken fright in a more dramatic manner :D
 
Wow thanks for all the comments guys I really appreciate it and yes Mike, butter wouldn't melt most of the time ;)

That's very true Orca, when he is very panicky like he was yesterday during the heavy rain he tends to lash out with headbutting (very hard!) and similar behaviour so it's not always safe to get near him when he is having a melt down. He seemed to settle after a little while of keeping a distance but still being close enough that he wasn't completely alone.
I just want to say he is an absolute star in most cases - An 8 year old can now pick his feet up and can lead him around the school with no problems whatsoever, she has also lead him to his field (with me holding his headcollar) but these few little things let him down.
Does anyone have any info on clicker training? I've heard a lot of people swear by it and would love to give it a go.

Unfortunately moving other horses near him when he's stabled isn't really an option and I can't move him to where he was previously as one side is full of one livery's horses so no stables available.
 
After having two thoroghbreds whose attitude to life was " There is something big and scary here !..... but its ok because its ME!. Then I found the world of hulking great Irish draughts who fainted at the sight of a pigeon. .COBS, wilting violets ,the lot of them!Sorry OP ,you posted between Orca and myself ,and I wasnt ignoring youre reply. Just a general comment from long experience. Dont fret too much.It will sort itself out if you let it.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top