Forum


Monty Roberts Equus Online University
Horse Training Video Instruction Program

Learn all about Equus • Dually Halter • Shy Boy Mustang • Jumping Horses
• Story of a Horse Whisperer • Riding Horsemanship • Dressage Horses • Willing Partners
• Horse Training • Round Pen Lessons • Performance Horses • Join-Up

← back

Horse Behavior and Training

Forming a bond

Please upload your photo

I rescued a 18 month old Percheron and have trained him all he knows on my own. I use everything I read from here and I have come a long way with him since July of 2013. He is a big beautiful horse and has a very sweet personality. Only one problem he is so bonded to me I cant send him away to lounge he will go with the crack of the whip and lope furiously but to control him in a walk or trot is impossible. He just turns and looks at me withthose big liquid eyes and does not move. He wants to be as close to me as possible and I am araid I have spoiled him. What do I do to get him to understand. He is so willing and not spooky at all but wants me right by his side. He is very aware of his feet does not step on me or push me but is right at my shoulder all the time.

beryl
Hello! 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed 200 lessons completed 250 lessons completed 300 lessons completed

Watch the leading lessons & teach him to stand still while you move back a step, if he moves towards you, which he will, just correct with the Dually & quietly put him back where he was. Gradually build up the distance & have him stand still while you walk round him.
Might sound strange, but give it a go.
Also, put 2 lines on him & long rein, don't try to single line lunge him.
The standing still lessons are very useful in many situations.

Amberpony - California, USA
Hello! 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed 200 lessons completed 250 lessons completed

Beryl well stated.
Now that you mention this, after going through a lesson like this with my horse it tends to get them out of my space unless invited.
I agree after trust, standing still and relaxed is the beginning to listening.

Miriam (Holland&Germany)
Hello! 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed 200 lessons completed 250 lessons completed 300 lessons completed 350 lessons completed 400 lessons completed 450 lessons completed 500 lessons completed 550 lessons completed 600 lessons completed 650 lessons completed

Hi Kimberlydixonrn,
There are some lessons here on the Uni with Martin Clunes and his Clidesdale colt.
Monty addresses exactly the problem you describe and teaches the horse to move away from the handles by stimulating him with some plasticbags on a stick.
Watch the lessons a couple of times, timing is crucial. Most important is not to spoil the trust that this gentle giant has in you.
Keep us posted!
Miriam

Miriam (Holland&Germany)
Hello! 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed 200 lessons completed 250 lessons completed 300 lessons completed 350 lessons completed 400 lessons completed 450 lessons completed 500 lessons completed 550 lessons completed 600 lessons completed 650 lessons completed

I mean "handler", sorry!

MaggieF, Melbourne - Australia
Hello! 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed 200 lessons completed 250 lessons completed

Good advice from Beryl and Miriam. It is great that you have him so quiet but now he does need to learn to move away from you when asked. The standing still lesson is great and so good for them plus Monty's video. Just important now not to damage the trust that you have built up. Another thing you may try is asking him to move a bit further away from you with the dually. Lead him in the sweet spot but also try walking with him about a metre away keeping him out with the dually. He will understand this better after he has understood the stand still lesson and backing up lesson. Gradually increase the distance between him and you until you can ask him to walk along with you about 2 metres away. If you can achieve this then I believe he will move away from you better once you put the long lines on him.

Wendy and Lola
Please upload your photo

Hi
I have just joined the university and have a question I would like to ask how do I add a new post as can only seem to add a comment
Thanks in advance
Wendy

Widgymaphlip
Please upload your photo 100 lessons completed

Wendy and Lola hi! If you want to ask a question go to your dashboard at the top, then cluck on a named topic relevant to you, many links will come up. Scroll all the way to the bottom and in red on the bottom left will be new post, click n ask away!
As to the whole separation thing, obviously agree with all advice! My horse and myself are learning to long rein at the moment and to start with my friend who has experience is behind Woods with the long lines while I lead along side him. Gradually I let the lead rope go and put it over his neck and then gradually move away, talking to and encouraging him all the time. Eventually Ive been able to drive from behind, always talking and yes he looks round occasionally but it's going well so far. Don't rush and do short periods so he doesn't panic, just go at his pace and enjoy!