Hello - Kind of a random question. But wondering if it is normal for my yearling to run away after her lesson is finished and I release her. I sometimes just work with her in a large paddock area away from the other horses. Once I let her go she high tails it out of there and back to the pack of horses at the far end of the field. I really dont expect her to want to stay with me but is there anything wrong with that? Should i possibly be walking her back to the herd and releasing her there? Or does it really matter. Thanks!
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Does she bolt as soon as you let go or does she wait for you to send her away ?
If she waits then no problem, she just wants to go back to the herd, if she doesn't it can become dangerous for you.
How do you release her when you take her back ?
First thing would be to make sure to turn her to face the gate when you take her back. Then create a ritual that will have her thinking about something other than running to her herd (which is natural).
For example you can take one of her favorite treats, take her in, turn her to face the gate, take the halter off while dropping the treat to the ground (make sure she's seen the treat), take a step back while she eats it then if she stays rub her or let her go.
Another solution can be to groom her in her pen after work instead of before taking her back to it.
I'm sure there's other tricks to think of, the idea being to condition your horse to take a pause when you realease her, to make it a calm moment rather where she is still connected with you rather than her friends.
Mine used to do the same when she was 2yo. I started cleaning her feet right before releasing, it worked great, I would do a proper cleaning then gradually i just picked up a foot, then just gave a rub, now she waits for her rub then walks away.
Have fun and let us know how it goes ;)
I usually lead her back into the paddock area and face the gate. I get her to lower her head to remove her halter. Then i rub her face and up her neck and turn away from her. Once i turn away she usually takes off back to the herd so its not like shes bolting while im trying to get her halter off or anything. You have some good ideas too about getting her to stick around a little longer. I usually try and leave her before she leaves me not that it really matters mainly makes me feel better haha.
She's a kid and she's been away from her flock/safety/home/family/friends and her entire being is telling her to go back to them. As you point out, she isn't bolting away but patiently waits for the halter to come off and her rub, but what is in it for her to stick around longer than that?
Horses live in the now. They don't feel they have to repay debts, return favors or stick around to make someone happy. You are her work - they are her free time and once you've set her free...
Did you stay back in school after class just to be with the teachers?
How many teenagers will stay home with mom, once lunch is finished, when their friends are outside waiting? ;)
Maybe, for feeling better, you can look at it this way; she will trust you so much more because you let her be happy and free. As long as she comes back to you, you have nothing to worry about because that is the important part in your relationship - or so I think, anyway.
And, one day, - maybe next week, maybe in a couple of years - she just won't find it necessary to chase off to the flock, but choose to stay nearby you and graze there for a while, because you have proven you are just as much flock/safety/home/family/friend, or more, than they are to her.
Bud
Am going to ask how are you turning away from her after you have rubbed her neck? How we offer our body to the horse is all part of the horse language, as in Join-Up when Monty asks for the horse to come forwards he does small turn of his left shoulder, then offers his right should to follow up. It may be the manner you are turning away is saying OK, I have finished you can go.
Rather than turn away, after you have rubbed her neck keep standing where you are but look at the herd, breath out a nice relaxed breath and relax letting your shoulders drop. She what she chooses to do without you moving. If she stays with you, then it could be the way you are turning is sending her away. ;)
Mel
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