cosmo
Olympic Poster
Posts: 776
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Post by cosmo on Jan 3, 2009 7:23:59 GMT 1
Horses definately pick up on nervousness / adrenaline. My lad is guarenteed to play up if I'm in a rush to get him in, feeling over emotional or am worrying that he's gonna misbehave. I've struggled for a couple of years to safely lead my big lad - he'd put his head down to graze and then bolt off when I tried to raise his head. This became a viscious cirlce as sub consciously I was expecting him to do it, he was picking up on it and the self fufilling prophecy kicks in. I found kelly's perfect manners and Richard Maxwells Maximise your Horsemanship a huge help. Not only did they provide guidance, they also helped me get my confidence back in handling my lad with loads of exercises for us to complete together. It may be worth getting your hands on a copy for your Dad.
However, my OH is the only person that my lad has gone to bite - there's a mutal resentment there, each believing the other takes up far too much of my time!
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Post by Catrin on Jan 3, 2009 9:17:31 GMT 1
Horses don't ever 'like' or 'dislike' someone, that is solely a human thing. Horses do 'respect' or 'boss' people, that is a horse thing. Horses establish relationships with every horse and person on a one to one basis, they don't just 'respect everyone' or 'boss everyone.' Horses also continually check out each horse or person, to see if they can take over from or trust that horse or person today. This means that with some horses, you have to be consistent and very black and white.
It sounds like you are the consistent, black and white person with your horse, so he trusts and respects you as you 'tell' him that, every time you approach him, by your manner and body language. Your father, however, does not do this.
Your case sounds like just the sort that an RA visit would fix in a short time, provided your father then does what he is shown. A few simple strategies would give him confidence and put him back in control. Much safer for all concerned and better for everyone's peace of mind.
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