My new horse won't lead in from his herdmates. - Western Training & Behavior - Western Training & Behavior - Horse Community, Horse Pictures, Horse Forum and Information

Posted : 12/11/2009 11:26:32 PM

I know that we need to do groundwork, I will be getting some help with that as I am pretty new to a lot of this. The horse I've had 11 years has always been cooperative and respectful. I never really had to do groundwork with him. My new horse, is a 4 yr. old Mustand gelding. Trained for about 4-5 mos. He lets me catch him, but plants his feet when I lead him away from his herdmates. I turn him to the left, to the right, and when I move to go forward he plants his feet again. I know that he knows he's getting over on me. I have thought of swatting his hiney with the end of the lead rope, or taking my carrot stick out with me and making him do lunges. (I am not too experienced at this yet, and so it is becoming a confidence issue, which is why I will be having lessons in groundwork and riding) In the meantime, I am finding myself just not even trying to take him out of the pasture to have his supplement.

Right now the weather has been very cold, and now is supposed to snow and rain for awhile. I would appreciate suggestions until I get some groundwork done and gain some confidence and knowledge?

hunterseat

Posted : 12/12/2009 2:29:27 AM

Hmmmm..... how big is your pasture OR how far can you make him back up? [ ':D'

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First, what kind of training has he had? If he's too much horse for your level of experience it might be dangerous for you. But if he's a fairly easy going horse I think I'd put a rope halter on him, get my carrot stick and start by doing the friendly game (you probably know what that is since you're calling it a carrot stick). Once he knows your stick isn't really for beating the stew out of him, you turn around to walk off, with him coming along behind you. If he plants his feet you quickly turn to him and, using your stick (I'd wave it back and forth about chest level under his head and make noises and put pressure on his halter) and make him BACK UP FAST just a few steps. Stop and let him process a couple of seconds. By then you should have his full attention. Rub him a time or two and talk nice to him. Turn away and start walking. Repeat if necessary. Don't look at him when you lead him - turn your back to him - I was always taught this and it seems to help.
If he leads, then he knows better. I think this will work for him.
Another thing you can try is, using a rope halter, put pressure on the halter (assuming it has knots in strategic spots it will be uncomfortable for him) Just steady pressure pulling him forward. If he moves in your direction then let up ALL the pressure so your line is slack. Praise him. One more step, pressure on his halter, he steps with you, let up the pressure, praise him. Keep doing this and he should walk with you. BUT if he already knows what leading is then he's just being a butt-head.

AllieBaba

Posted : 12/12/2009 6:02:54 AM

How far are you from his halter when you're attempting to lead?

Sometimes it's best to be at the long end, walk and just tug a little. Don't stand straight in front, lest you be run over.

If he's being really bullheaded and just pulling back regardless, use either the end of your rope or a training whip to move him forward. Stand out of the way. If he blasts past you, just keep walking, let him dance on the end of the rope a little. Give him a little room.

MaryLBattagin

Posted : 12/12/2009 3:15:38 PM

Thank you for the tips. I can back him up. He has had training by a horse trainer (well thought of) who used him in the Mustang Challenge in Sacramento, CA in 2008. He is not a crazy horse, he is smart and curious. He is being a butt head, because normally he will lead nicely. I know that it is a respect issue. I have desensitized him to the stick. The backing up fast is a great idea.

I need to work on my confidence. I will be getting help from a woman who starts colts at this fellows clinics twice a year. She knows just how my horse was trained and the cues he's used to. My problem is that I have had my Peruvian Paso for so long that even if I used a wrong cue in normal riding, he knew what I wanted and we are a team. I really need to learn to ride all over again (the correct way) with this horse.

I don't think it will be dangerous, however, I plan to take my time with him, not be in a hurry to go out trail riding with him, and do my best. I still need to keep my older horse in shape, so my relaxing rides will be on him.

Thanks for your advice.