unruly colt - Western Training & Behavior - Western Training & Behavior - Horse Community, Horse Pictures, Horse Forum and Information

Posted : 7/27/2009 4:37:31 PM

I have a 2month old colt who is tough to manage. He wears a halter and can go from stall to field with a butt rope, although we are working on leading. He is a menace in the stall and in the field, though, biting and trying to sneak up and jump on you. I know this is somewhat colt behavior-he treats his mother the same way, but how do I make it clear to him that it isn't ok with humans? I try to stay away from his mouth-standing next to him instead of in front of him, etc-but he is constantly trying to grab and/or tackle, and it is tiring. Advice?

tazassape

Posted : 7/27/2009 5:55:43 PM

Knock the cr*p out of him and then go about your business like nothing happened. Sounds cruel but that's how it works in the herd.

DixieClassic003

Posted : 7/27/2009 11:57:01 PM

Taz is totally right! It may sound mean or cruel but if he bites you slap him across the nose or even if he just tries. Its how you make yourself dominat (how the frig do you spell that?)

wundahoss

Posted : 7/28/2009 7:11:57 AM

(sorry for punctuation, my computer being difficult)
If youre not planning on keeping him as a stud, geld him asap for a start. Has he got mates? Keep him out with a herd, so he can become well socialised, learn manners from them and also be mentally & emotionally fulfilled, so he wont be so likely to take boredom & frustration out on you.

I disagree with the above, esp for a baby. That wouldnt happen in a natural herd either - maybe a nip & being chased away, but no "knocking crap out of"s. Even with older horses, when they knock the crap out of eachother, this is generally dominance games... of which you dont want to start playing.... unless you want to keep playing them. Being dominant isnt what you want to be seen as, being the respected, respectFUL leader is. She generally uses her brain & tact, rather than brawn. She usually makes requests rather than gives orders.

He is trying to play with you, thinks youre fun to be round. You dont want to discourage this, just make sure youre consistant about what works & what doesnt. So if youre fun to be around, but when he behaves in such ways, he finds you leave him, or make him leave you, he will learn to be polite about his play.