Just started here on the Equus online university, enjoying it so far.
My horse is a 13yo paint who has never really had anyone care for him his whole life, he was given to me by a trainer friend. However, this poor guy has so many issues I am trying to resolve! He is jumpy, cinchy, does not respond to the bit (very little if any at all) and man does he have an attitude! All things aside, I would like to put this summer into working to see if I can turn him into a safe, ridable horse not the crazy paint who bolts and fights every command like he does now.
So my question to the forum... there are many:
1) How do I get him over being cinchy and prancing around when tied?
2) how long is "too long" when working a particular area of training, such as stopping, controlling the walk, trot, ect? Should he be able to stop and stand still ANYWHERE not just the arena?
3) Cures for barn sour-ness?
4) He is currently in a straight snaffle. I tried a bit with a slight shank and let me tell you, never again will I do that with this horse.
Finally, how long should a horse be worked on average, per day? How many times per week?
I am relatively new to the horse training world, so please give any and all advice!I have had this paint since November and he is constantly changing things up on me. He acts like a NFR champion one month, then acts like a totally green colt the next. He has quite the attitude issue.
Hi. Sounds like you've got a real job on your hands. My advice is to relax, study the lessons & take Monty's challenges so you get your accreditations. Get a Dually head collar, priority & 2 long lines, 30 feet. The Dually is also a bit less bridle so it bridges the gap between ground work & ridden work. Ideally, try to work with other, better trained horses too - so you learn your skills really well. The first thing to remember is that none of Chief's behaviour is his FAULT. No one has made an effort to meet his needs. Go back to the beginning, do 'Join up' & work on his ground skills. Each horse is different but if you read his signs he will tell you what you need to know. Keep sessions fun & relaxed. Try to always end on a positive note. Be generous with your praise. If you can, have 2 shorter sessions rather than 1 longer one. Relate what you're doing to a child's education. Would a child regard the lessons as work or play. If you can get your mindset right, Chief will look forward to being with you, will relish the challenges you give him, incrementally. Spend time with him every day. Use the Dually every day. Don't make huge changes; build trust & respect between you both. As to how long you spend each day, depends. Each session should include a small challenge but also easy stuff - so you can tell him what a super star he is! If you are having fun with Chief then you probably have the balance right. If Chief is having fun with you then you definitely have it right. Good luck & keep us posted - we can offer more support. Cheers, Jo.
Hi,
the job is hard but the satisfaction reaching the targets will be on the same level!
all advices from Jo are corect and you have to follow them. Maybe you can also buy the book of Monty "From my hands to yours" It is a collection of many advices for each kind of issues with horses.
Be patient, take time for it and I am sure you will have a nice horse!
Keep us informed about the progress!
Milenco
How lovely that after 13 years your boy has finally found someone who cares about him and wants to do right by him lovely!
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All above advice is great, my only caveat is to say take it easy...the most important thing with him now, above all else, is your relationship. He has had 13 years of no guidance, why should he trust you? He needs to know that you are his safe place and will not let him down. He will know this in time. When he trusts you and knows that you will not hurt him and he can follow you as his leading partner he will be willing to try and then all the above advice will come into its own. Relationship first, problem solving second. Keep us posted, looking forward to seeing how he progresses.