Funny behavior...good for a change!

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Posted : 4/16/2010 6:05:42 PM

I have two older mares, a 16 y.o. Arab and a grade mare who is 16-20.

The Arab is impossible NOT to catch. In fact, she catches you if you go into her pen; she's a nuisance. She'll even run after you, not in an agressive way, but just because she can't stand to be left behind.

The grade mare, however, is difficult to catch. She knows all the tricks and uses them. Usually, if I know I need her, I'll lure her into a pen with feed and catch her that way, because otherwise it can take a little bit. Even in a small pen, she'll spin away from you. It doesn't bother me any, I just have to take it into consideration when we have plans to do anything.

Anyway, my farrier showed up unexpectedly last week. He comes from a distance away, and usually calls ahead of time, but he was going to a Clinton Anderson clinic and was coming through town, so hailed me on the street and asked if I wanted him to trim them that day. I said sure, but I didn't have Purdy up (he knows what she's like).

We caught the Arab first, easy peasy, and he got her done, then we sort of pushed Purdy (I still had the Arab on lead) down a narrow part of the pasture. She tried to get past us, but I used Ruby's body to block her and we caught her.

Okay, next day.
While trimming feet, the farrier noticed the Arab had ouchies on her heels (mud fever or scratches, we get it every spring). So I wanted to halter the horses, groom them well and start treatment for their feet (knocking off the crusties and spraying with scarlet oil. And LOTS of stimulation of the lower legs).

I caught the Arab and spent about 45 minutes on her, brushing her, currying her, really working on her legs, then spraying the stuff on. Then I turned her loose and started after Purdy...

And the Arab helped me! She walked along with me and wouldn't let Purdy push past her, and Purdy gave up!

I thought that's cute, but obviously just a weird coincidence....and it happened again the next day!

So my Arab is not only beautiful, funny and sweet...she's a horse genius as well! She learned from one event how to help me catch Purdy!

Ok, maybe not, but it's sort of nice to have help catching that rude little Purdy!

rlassbuck

Posted : 4/27/2010 9:09:45 PM

THat's so cool! But I do have one word of advice. A dominant horse (what you are in this case), when there is a new herd member will keep away food and water until he/she (you) sees fit for the newbie to eat or drink. It's how horses are, but I'm sure you already have seen that! You, as the alpha, need your horse to be cooperative and let you catch her. Put the mare in a small round pen and don't let her eat/drink unless it's your say-so and she has the halter on FIRST. I've never seen this fail, and we've done it with several horses who are now some of the easiest horses to catch! At first it sounds a little hars, but it really is up to you how much she can eat and drink, so it's only as harsh as you are. It's extremely important that she not eat and drink any time she doesn't have the halter on! EVER! Until you can catch her consistently when she's in the round pen. That means, don't give her a treat when you let her go. She will not take long to associate the halter with food and water - and lots of luvins! It's time consuming to a point, but way worth it ':)'

Good luck!

One more thing, don't let her turn around and leave. You're the leader and you leave first! Keep her head tipped toward you while you stand next to her shoulder. Wait til she relaxes, then give her a treat and take the halter off and walk away quickly. This will actually make her curious and draw her to you more! Good luck!