I have to admit that this bit gives me the shits. I go to see Teddy without a halter or bridle and he is fine. Go near him with one and he's evasive but as soon as you get it on him he's fine again! So annoying!
I took the bridle out and spent around an hour with him in the paddock and it took him that long just to trust me to pat him with a bridle in my hand. I used my own freindly strategy of walking in a triangle around him stopping at each point and slowly getting closer until he was calm about having me there with a bridle on my shoulder.
I think what annoys me most is that he doesn't just shoot through he just steps slightly out of reach over and over and over. I refuse to halter him in the paddock without good reason, I would prefer that he trusted me enough at all times without it being an issue. I know I just have to perserver knowing that its only with a halter or bridle that it's ever an issue, otherwise he just tags along behind me.
After working with him in the paddock he followed me back to the house and wandered off into the front paddock while i caught 3 stray chooks.
I also notice his domance coming through when he is uncomfortable and it shows in threats to nip. He doesn't connect but it's there. HMMMMmmmm
I think today Im having an "its all too much" day. But i do love the big fella! We'll be right tomorrow.
In the beginning, it might not be a bad idea to actually halter him for no reason at all. If he associates the halter with unpleasantness, the best way to get him through that is to change the association.
ReplyDeleteHalter him and scratch his favorite itchy spots, unhalter and leave. Halter him and give him his feed and then turn him loose. Halter him and lead him to some choice grass then put him back. Pretty soon he starts to wonder just what this halter thing is about and his curiosity comes up with his confidence.
Yep this is exactly what I am doing but so far no good. He's a very bright guy so may take longer than I'd expect. E.g. if he doesn't want to be near people when he eats he will literally pick up his bucket and walk away with it or if its a heavy tub, drag it away to a distance he is happy with. Cheeky bugger! He doesn't do this with me anymore though.
ReplyDeleteI would say for the last two months I have haltered him, led him then left him. Haltered and just taken it off straight away. Had no haltering sessions. Haltered and taken him to food then taken it off. Haltered and did a bit of leave 1 parelli. Gone out to the paddock with just a bridle on my shoulder but did nothing with it.
I actually think he was doing fine until about 2 - 3 weeks ago and now he's getting worse. I'll keep trying.
Funny about the feed bucket!
ReplyDeleteSo maybe it's time to mix in some leadership. Halter him, back him up and then feed him. Allow a bite or two and then back him up. I play a game with all the horses under my care: What's more important, me or the food? Until the answer is "me" then no dinner. I want calm horses who back politely from their feed and wait until I allow. It's a simple "dominance" game that is also good husbandry.
Maybe Teddy is ready for you to show him - politely, of course - who is boss of this operation.
great idea, thanks Lisa I will give it a go!
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