#7 Dealing With an Uncooperative Horse
"Getting started, keeping going, getting started again in art and in life, it seems to me this is the essential rhythm." Seamus Heaney
Ah, horses. My lesson horse Libby was not a very happy camper today. When I went to put her bridle on she tried to bite me! I think she instinctively knew I was starting to feel comfortable around her and wanted to test me. For a person with a secret fear of horses, one little bite is all it takes to set you right back into that fearful place. After the biting incident, I calmly sprinted out of the stall. My trainer Sally came to my rescue and explained that Libby was probably a little tired from already having a lesson that day and she wasn’t very pleased to have to leave her food and go ride (this I can understand, take me away from food and you might get bitten too). Sally explained that you have to establish who is boss with the horse with firm reminders to gain a mutual respect.
For today’s lesson, I continued to work on my posting trot. However, Libby was not in the mood to trot. Every time I cued her to trot she would adamantly pin her ears back and eventually give in.
I also worked on going the opposite way on the lunge line, which was very confusing because you have to do everything on a different side. I was reminded to relax and go with the flow, a piece of advice we could all use. If only Libby could understand that piece of advice, today would have been a lot smoother.
So, my important safety lesson of the day is to understand how to read your horse's body language to build trust and enhance positive communication.
What do you recommend when your horse is in an uncooperative mood? Leave me a comment!
Next: She who looks down ends up on the ground
Comments
ricardo, over 2 years ago
Libby seems like a determined lady who I know.
Kris, over 2 years ago
A deep breath for yourself, and positive rewards for every single little thing they do RIGHT. Celebrate and reward the things your horse does right so she gets to "win." Have to remind myself of this pretty much every ride, but my horse sure likes my new strategy!
Karisa, over 2 years ago
Great advice thank you Kris!
Jan, over 2 years ago
I think It helps if I'm just very matter-of-fact about doing whatever, even if they'';re being a pain in the patootie. A sharp reprimand if needed, kind words in a praising voice otherwise, but no extremes of voice or movement. Calm & consistent -- even if you'd rather be cranky, too!
Krystal, over 2 years ago
Like humans, horses have good and bad days. I think it's great that you tried to see things from Libby's prospective. I agree with Kris about rewarding Libby for everything she does right. It'll make the experience more positive for her and you. When my horse is cranky, I try not to get sucked into her bad mood. I try to stay positive and calm. Sometimes this rubs off on her, sometimes it doesn't. ;) You're doing great and learning a lot!
Jeni, over 2 years ago
I get back to basics and end on a positive! Great Job !!
Sarah, over 2 years ago
My horse can be a pistol too! The more you work with them the better they are, just keep at it. Great job!
Jenn, over 2 years ago
I swear, every time I visit a new stable, they find the most stubborn horse for me! I guess they know I'm the same way too! lol A lot of patience, determination, and reward for good behavior.... it works with horses, dogs, and humans too! It's all about the respect - respect for the horse, and the horse's respect for you. You've got the right idea! ...now the hard part is the practice! Keep up the great work!