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Posted:
Tuesday, July 22, 2003
Catch me if you can
By Susan Dudasik
Is the joy of riding losing its appeal because you have to spend twenty minutes playing "catch me if you can" first? Having to chase your horse isn't only annoying, it can be dangerous since the horse often considers it a game and may kick or buck as he runs by, definitely a lack of respect on his part. Your horse should never, under any circumstances, be allowed to kick in your direction.
The first step to catching your horse begins with an attitude change. No longer are you going to try to catch your horse; he's going to let you catch him. This doesn't mean he'll come galloping across the field at your slightest whistle, although it can advance to that. It does mean that whenever you approach, he'll turn to face you and show respect by not leaving or disrespectfully turning his rump toward you.
Begin your attitude adjustment program with a halter and leadrope. Halter your horse and walk to the end of the lead so you're about even with his rump. Turn away from him and slightly drop your right shoulder forward, telling him to "come in". Begin reeling him toward you. Praise him when he's at your side. Most likely, at first your horse will just stand there so settle for him at least turning his head and looking at you. Praise him when he does. The next step is to get him to move his rump so he's facing you. Take a step toward his rump and pull his head toward you. As his rump moves away, praise him, return to your original position and start reeling him in. Some horses may totally ignore you and look at their pasture buddies or the birds flying by. Don't tolerate this disrespect. Give a good jerk on the lead and demand he come to you. If he's pulling this, it's a good sign that you need to work on both your attitudes. Remember, horses feel safer with a confident leader. If you must beg him to come in, he's in charge. Ask him, then back it up with a good hard jerk if he doesn't respond. Soon he'll be right at your side with a "now what, boss?" attitude. Have you ever noticed how one horse will react in totally different ways with different people? It's all in the attitude a person projects. You need to be confident and in charge.
Practice several times from both sides and be sure to reward your horse. When he'll come in on the lead, advance to a longer rope. Then, try it in a stall or small corral but keep the leadrope on as he might stick his head in the corner and just show you his rump, a dangerous habit. If he does, be extremely careful. Stand a safe distance away and call him. If he doesn't come, pull on the lead until he does. Don't sweet talk him or try to walk up to touch him, just keep pulling and telling him to "come in" until he faces you. Then lavish him with praise. At first it might take an hour or more getting him out of the corner, but don't give in. He MUST turn to face you. If he starts to kick, get professional help immediately!
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She made the right decision! Though still cautious, she's stepped toward me and has lowered her head to accept the halter.
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When he's coming to or at least facing you try him in the pasture. Allow plenty of time. If he runs off, keep walking steadily after him. Don't yell, just be persistent. When he stops, turn away and call him. If he takes off, walk after him. This game may take some time. Each time he stops, ask him to come in. He has to make the choice of coming in or being hounded around the field. If you can calmly block his getaway, do so. If he gets by, keep walking after him. Eventually he'll stop. Don't sneak up on him, he must face you. Then walk up, put the halter on and praise him. Never praise until the halter's on. Once caught, really shock him and turn him loose. Most likely he'll stand there or follow you back to the barn. Most horses are difficult to catch because they know it's just to go to work. By turning him loose again your horse will start looking forward to your pasture visits.
Teaching manners like this to your horse not only makes him a safe and dependable companion, it makes you a team. All it takes is patience, persistence and getting back to basics.
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