Hey everyone,
I considered mailing this to askmonty directly, but I figured before he even sees this question - let alone decides to reply - it will be long past the time I need an answer, so I'm asking for help and advice in here instead.
My sweet two-year old has reached the terrible threes, and while it could be a lot worse, he has started to pick up some really bad manners in the stable.
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When he doesn't want to be brushed anymore - which can happen pretty soon - he will either try to nip me in the arm or turn to face me head on. In the first case, I try to deflect by calmly pushing his head back and say "no!" - but he can be barracuda-fast - and in the latter I try to put myself at an angle and ask him to back off, but the space in a box doesn't allow for much backing. Yesterday, he got really bossy and started rearing up and then turned his haunches toward me.
It was a bit scary since I didn't know if he would kick at that point, but I tried to stay calm without actually backing down, and once the situation was defused, I put the Dually on him and that was that.
He's shedding his winter fur, so I can understand if he gets irritated, but this feels more like defending his space and challenging the leader.
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Obviously, I am doing something wrong, so I really need advice from the "behavorists" here (Kelly, are you there? ;)) on how to avoid/defuse these situations. How do I handle them so it doesn't turn into a "face off/show down", or - worse - becomes a behavior he will stick with even after he is out of the obstinate age.
Hi Kicky,
Let me start with a question: do you need to brush your youngster in his stable or could you take him out?
When more space is available and a Duallyhalter on, you could school him more efficiently should he show the described behavior. Another point could be desensitize him by keeping the brush where he's ticklish as long as he reacts, take it away as soon as he relaxes, still with the Dually on, so you can stay in a safe position. You could even feed the leadrope through a ring on the wall and keep the end in your free hand, so you can give the horse some pressure when he tries to bite you. Learning to stand still is part of the Dually sesdsions on this Uni, watching them again might help you to stay safe and confident in your relationship with your younster.
Let us know how you're doing,
Miriam
I am not encouraging harsh treatment but let's not forget that horses dont gently say ' no' to each other in situations when they may get hurt. Perhaps your horse is realizing that he maybe the higher ranking 'horse' in your herd of two!!
Miriam's suggestions sound great but your attitude and take while doing it is what fine tunes the 'instructions'. Wish you the best and do know that one can always be firm, strict and loving at the same time:-)
Thank you so much for the suggestions, guys!
I've been away for the weekend, so we haven't had any "battles of wills" since I wrote the first post, but I will definitely bear your words in mind.
I do agree on "firm, strict and loving", but I also think it was part of what got us into the situation. (I guess it's a matter of fine tuning how much of each at every given moment.)
The Dually, or just a regular halter, does make a difference and since I'd rather avoid the situation altogether, I will stick to that until he behaves or his winter coat is all gone - whatever comes first. :)
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However, I am still interested in what to do (body language etc) when you do get into a more "serious" situation in a space where you can't send the horse away - like in its box.
An old cowboy once told me that the one who makes the legs move wins. With that said, if I am bent down to hoof pick or brush and my horse tries to nip me, I'd elbow him and make him move away. Meanwhile, I will keep an eye on his face (sort of from the corner of my eye) for any indication of him even thinking about stopping me from brushing; that is when I'd signal him to move off. If this happens while working on the back legs, I'd put a hand on the leg while brushing off with my other hands. The hand laying on his leg will detect any movement and with the sensation of movement, I'd signal the horse to move off. Hope this helps.
Cool driving! Check it out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gN4Xr_nuMHg&feature=related
Thanks again, horselover. :)
I've been doing most if my brushing in the chains in the stable. So, when he turns to bite, I just rattle that chain, which makes him to face forward again.
I like it when I don't have to make a "big thing" out of it, but can downplay it.
I've worked with several aggressive horses with this problem, especially my own mare. This is what I do: After a join-up session, I completely groom and saddle the horse right there in the pen or arena (untied). If the horse does anything other than stand still and be polite, I send her away again for many laps around the pen. If, while grooming or saddling, she lays her ears back, swishes a tail, or even takes a step away, I send her away and make her work. It doesn't take many repetitions of this for the horse to decide it's better to cooperate and rest.
Also, make sure there is nothing hurting your horse. My mare became aggressive partly because she has very sensitive skin, and normal grooming was painful to her. She shad learned to really hate the sight of people when I got her. Aggressive behavior can never be tolerated because it is dangerous, but fortunaltely, and thanks to Mr. Roberts, it can be handled in a kind and respectful way. Now, if I forget and am too rough with my grooming, my mare lets me know by wincing, and I correct myself. She no longer lays her ears back, swishes her tail, or lifts a hind foot. This has worked with every aggressive horse I have worked with.