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Monty’s principles really amount to common sense and immense patience. He believes that children and horses have the same behavioral patterns. They are both naturally “flight” animals. "If you frighten them and resort to confrontation, you’ll lose their trust." ~ Monty
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My Join-Up® Experience

Cannot catch or touch my horse

By:

ash.rachner

Date:

2024-Oct-22 at 01:48AM

Hi,

I am not new to horses, but I recently bought a new Shetland mare that is a driving horse. I was told she is timid in the stall. I am having the hardest time catching her. At first, she would "wheel" and spin in her stall and have her butt facing you constantly. I have been working on it for two weeks... and now she is a lot calmer in the stall. But you name it, I have tried it. Sitting in her stall with my back turned away for long periods of time or just hanging out, turning away from her every time I get her to look at me, lunging her to get her to stand still and take a halter, flag work, etc. I have spent HOURS in her stall working with her. I started doing some work with her today where I turn and show my back as soon as I get her to look at me. This progressed nicely, but anytime I get close enough to touch her, she freaks out when I reach out my hand. I spent about 3 hours with her.

She has an eye infection and I need to be able to catch her to treat her eye so it doesn't get worse... any ideas? I am despondent. She does ok once she is haltered and you can lead her, desensitize her, etc. She drives beautifully in a cart. But she does not want to be touched and I am assuming she was abused before because I can't see any other reason for it. Help!!

JoHewittVINTA 2024-Oct-23 at 03:09AM

Hi & welcome to the Uni. Your mare sounds like she really needs to do Join up - she desperately needs to trust you but likely some other human has 'terrorised' her. You don't say you've tried Join up so I assume you're either not confident to do so or have nowhere suitable to try it. You say she turns her butt to you but has she kicked you? If not, take the chance & give her a tiny rub & then retreat a couple of steps, looking at her hock but obviously keeping her whole rear end in view. If you fear being kicked use a human back scrubbing brush. Make your movements slow & consistent. Wait for a minute & repeat. After numerous repetitions you should see her begin to relax. No predictor makes contact & then leaves. Please let us know how you get on & we will continue to support you in your efforts with this mare. Cheers, Jo.