youngster very agressive in stable

Caroline · 30-10-2003, 06:09 PM

Magic,
I had a new filly that was rather aggressive and dominant over food, and would give you both back feet if you were not careful. This is a bad habit that needs nipping in the butt before it becomes an entrenched habit. Safety comes first, so I would go in with her feed and a plastic garden rake. If she came too close she got a whack on her bum with the rake, and she very quickly learnt to respect your space. Eventually I would just wave it at her to remind her and now she is as good as gold. Just be firm and consist with what ever technique you use. Post any developments!

=>CJ

Magic · 31-10-2003, 09:18 AM

Hi All,

Thanks for the ongoing support. I have made some good progress - uning a combination of all your ideas. I have gone in a few times with either plastic rake or riding crop in hand (rake because I like to rake their shavings on last time at night as part of my 'tucking in process'.) and if he has laid his ears back or turned his rump I have given him a loud AARRHHHHH and pointed rake/crop at him bum and stayed there until he settled back down, at which point I leave, close the door and come back again in 5 minutes and repeat if necessary. I've not actually touched him with either - that has been enough so far. It isn't 100% fixed but it is steadily improving.

M

Dinah Fleming · 31-10-2003, 01:48 PM

Hi Magic

You are making good progress.

It was only yestereday I had to remind my 6 year old warmblood mare of the same rules and then again during her dressage schooling session.

But today were were partners and happily working as a team.

I have been told horses have the mentality of a four year old child, but think this is exaggerated as horses are not decptive, manipulative or scheming, although some people like to use this as an excuse for their horses bad behaviour.

Mares, stallions and young stock will tend to put up more challenges then geldings who have had their hormones lessened.

We are keen to hear how you progress.

Dinah

Magic · 31-10-2003, 02:02 PM

Thanks Dinah its going to be an interesting process. My other horse is 16 y/o and I have had him since he was 20 months old - we know each other pretty well by now, and I forget that I had to do all this with him way back then.

TB4Me · 31-10-2003, 02:05 PM

I think horses are supposed to have the reasoning power of a young child, therefore it's pointless to 'argue' with them, but they have excellent memory and problem-solving ability. I read a book a few years ago about a trial testing horses' responses and memories. When asked to pick colour patterns for rewards, most horses showed very good memories of which patterns meant reward. Some could remember the patterns and cues years later, with no reinforcement in the meantime. Another test involved a simple maze with 2 choices, left turn good, right turn bad or something like that. One group of horses were rewarded when they made the right decision, the other group were punished (not sure how!) when they made the wrong decision. Oddly enough, the punished horses learned faster to go the 'right' way.......but they would sometimes stand for hours anxiously deliberating before making a decision, and once again they remembered their experiences for many years. This is so off the topic!! But I guess the main point is that horses' memories of punishment or discipline last a very long time, so be careful how you use it.....

sil · 31-10-2003, 11:14 PM

I like to say that horses are intelligent, but lack intellect.

Intelligence being memory, imagination, reason, learning, etc

Intellect being the ability to put 'two and two together'.

For example a horse will learn that if he pats you down for carrots, he might find one. But he will never learn that if he is a really good boy today he will get carrots tonight.

~ Do as much as it takes, do as little as it takes. ~

ashka · 01-11-2003, 07:48 AM

yes, but how much easier would that make life if he did!

The Old Grey Mare · 03-11-2003, 11:16 AM

if only you could say to them, hey i won't work you in exchange for a perfect pattern or workout at the shows.

do you think this concept could ever catch on???
LOL

03-11-2003, 03:08 PM

Hello Magic. You've had some good advice here but I'd like to ad a couple of things. I start horses and quite a few come here thinking that they are 'numero uno' because they have been 'taught' that they are by their well meaning owners.

I make a point with these sort of horses, at feeding time, to go into their yard, put their feed in their bin and then keep them away from it until they give me both eyes in a respectful way. I then give them a stroke on the forehead and walk out and let them have their feed.

Yes, quite often I have to get a bit 'strong' but it pays huge dividends in the general demeanor and attitude of the horse towards me in general and not just at feed time. I have shown the horsethat I am someone to be reckoned with and not just pushed aside.

Now I wouldn't try this in a normal horse box with a horse such as yours that turns its rear and lifts a leg as it is too cramped to be safe. And I don't advise you to do it anyway if you are not confident that you will be able to 'defend' the feed bin until you get the respectful two eyes, but this is something to think about.

As for brushing, rugging or anything else while the horse is eating, I like to let the horse eat in peace and not use this as a 'sneak' period where the horse is preoccupied with his feed and therefore may let you do stuff that otherwise may be more difficult.

You mentioned tieing up and said that because your horse leads/yields well you are half way there. You are indeed correct, probably more than half way. Until a horse leads with the softest invitation and stands quietly when asked, he is certainly not ready to be tied. If you are interested, go to my website (www.chilcotin.com.au) and under "Tips 'n Tricks" I have posted an article on tieing up.

cheers,

Grant Walske
"Towards Partnership with the horse"

ashka · 03-11-2003, 08:32 PM

Grant, that is really great advice - I'm sure all Stockyardians really appreciate you dropping into these forums to offer your expertise.