Tried his new bit out today, he hasn't been happy with any of the ones he's had before, he pulls a lot and always snatches the reins out of Hollie's hands just like Chester used to do when he first arrived, the result of too much heavy handedness in the past probably.
So today we did some stuff with no contact at all (the opposite of how she has to ride at Poney Club) and he seemed much happier.
I just wish he'd stop looking at me like I'm about to eat him! Guess it'll take time......
2 comments:
Have you seen Monty Roberts' (Horse Whisperer)approach? He works in a round pen/arena, but you could adapt that. He sends the horse away on the circle without a lunge line. He keeps it going for a while, changes direction by stepping to block and sends on again. At the end, he walks towards the horse then turns and walks away. The horse follows. I think he calls it "Join Up" technique. I'm sure you can find a video online with a better explanation than this.
Have done some stuff in the round pen with him but it just makes him more anxious. Have decided the new strategy is for me to totally ignore him. Yesterday I went into the field, Gandalf & Kinna came rushing up for scratches, I could see him watching out of the corner of my eye, I went down to let Kinns into the grassy bit, G followed and I gave him more scratches, then I felt a little nose behind me, Polo had come halfway up the field to check me out, I just reached back and gave him a scratch without looking at him then walked away. It's a start.......
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