Forum


Monty Roberts Equus Online University
Horse Training Video Instruction Program

Learn all about Equus • Dually Halter • Shy Boy Mustang • Jumping Horses
• Story of a Horse Whisperer • Riding Horsemanship • Dressage Horses • Willing Partners
• Horse Training • Round Pen Lessons • Performance Horses • Join-Up

← back

Horse Behavior and Training

Setback and leadeer issues

Hello! 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed 200 lessons completed 250 lessons completed 300 lessons completed 350 lessons completed 400 lessons completed 450 lessons completed 500 lessons completed 550 lessons completed 600 lessons completed

Mr. Smartypants (now 4 years old) gave me a disappointing setback yesterday. Last winter he was somewhat in the middle of the terrible trees and I tried to be patient and school him when he got cheeky or cocky.
This summer it has been a lot more of smooth sailing and much easier handling both in the stable and the field.
Yesterday, however - esp. when leading back to the field after a quick brush, some food and putting on the fly rug, he started to play up.
.
It's a short walk down a gravel road between fields and then through a small, empty, field - approx. 40 meters - to the big field.
I could tell at once we stepped out of the stable from his expression that he was thinking of spoiling for a fight. (He is so easy to read!)
.
Unfortunately, I didn't have the Dually on, and the "normal length" lead rope so it was harder to school or tell him to stay away from me, but we got down the road with no more trouble than sidewise glances.
Once we got into the small field he made attempts to crowd me and threated to nip unless heeded. Knowing I would flick the rope, he then quickly (he's lightning fast!) grabs the lead rope in his mouth and backs up to face me instead.
.
I managed to get out if the situation by moving over to his side and keep his head away from me, but I could tell he was thinking about taking this to another level and possibly charge me, or rear up, if I had been more forceful with the halter rope.
.
Granted, with the Dually and longer rope, I would've had more control, and I realize that I need to solve this in the arena with some groundwork, but even with that on, I can't deny that it bothers me quite a bit that he has these "dangerous thoughts", and I worry what can happen if I do a schooling session in the arena and he decides to fight back.
.
Need some advice on how to proceed without getting hurt or provoke his reflex to lash out against me.
Esp. what to do when we end up face to face, because that he sees as a direct challenge.
I know Join-up would be part of this, but aside from not having a good space to do it in, I doubt it would be safe under the circumstances.

Kleinne - Utah, U.S.A.
Hello! 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed 200 lessons completed 250 lessons completed

If I were you I wouldn't ever handle this horse without a dually and a long line. You need to have maximum control at all times. Don't be afraid to do a lot of work with him and school him appropriately with the dually, this will cause him to be more respectful and less challenging, especially if he's so easy to read. If he's even having a bad thought I would school him before he can act on it. I've watched Monty do this many times with challenging disrespectful horses. He can read them so perfectly, whether he's working them from the ground with a dually or he has a rider on and using a giddy up rope he's always quick to school them before they can act out. If you're going to be his leader, then you can't be afraid to put him in his place when he needs it. The long line will keep you safer should he rear up and try to strike at you and the dually will make it uncomfortable for him. Remember to always keep your cool and your pulse rate down. If he scares you and you don't feel competent to handle him, I would suggest hiring a professional just make sure it's someone that you trust.
Good luck,
Kleinne

MaggieF, Melbourne - Australia
Hello! 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed 200 lessons completed 250 lessons completed

Totally agree with Klienne. Until your horse is completely trained and trustworthy at all times never try to do anything without the dually on and a longer line. They seem to be so clever at working out when you haven't got the dually on and that they can then get the upper hand. I learnt this lesson with Tricka! Now that he has tested you out and they all will at different times then you will need to spend time regaining the upper hand with the dually. Daily dually work for awhile! Good luck.

Kicki -- Sweden
Hello! 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed 200 lessons completed 250 lessons completed 300 lessons completed 350 lessons completed 400 lessons completed 450 lessons completed 500 lessons completed 550 lessons completed 600 lessons completed

Thanks, guys!
Yeah, I realize the necessity of the Dually and long rope. It was the set-back that got to me now that things were finally working again.
Too much rain here right now for proper work, but he will get what's coming to him. ;)
.
Will also watch Monty's lessons on leading again.

Kicki -- Sweden
Hello! 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed 200 lessons completed 250 lessons completed 300 lessons completed 350 lessons completed 400 lessons completed 450 lessons completed 500 lessons completed 550 lessons completed 600 lessons completed

Just had to tell you I got around to do a schooling session today when I brought him in from the field.
Typically for Mr. Smartypants, he complied calmly but with some confusion over all my turns and stops as if he could see no reason for this strict exercise at all. *LOL*
.
I'm not convinced of his manners having improved that much on his own, so I will keep him in Dually and long lead rope until we have had a proper "discussion" on the subject, so I know we have worked out all chinks and answered all his questions.
He's not a bad boy, but I've probably been less firm than I should have been with him...

MaggieF, Melbourne - Australia
Hello! 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed 200 lessons completed 250 lessons completed

Good to hear, Kicki. Just stick with the dually!! Every so often I think of just using the rope halter on Tricka but it doesn't take long until I am grabbing my dually and put it on over the rope halter. She is so funny and clever! My vet who hasn't seen the dually before was very amused the other day by her antics. I had taken her dually off so we could do her teeth once finished I asked him to pass me back the dually so I could put it on as we were ready to leave. He asked why so I took Tricka to the back of the float/trailer with the rope halter knowing that she would most likely say "no" which she did. I then slipped the dually on and she walked on like a lamb. My vet couldn't believe it - I think he maybe sold on a dually now!