Q&A Gaining Trust Again
Q: Hi this is Christie. Thanks for getting back to me! I've had my horse Bourbon since he was born, I've done ground work with him from day one. Before I took him to the trainer I only had been on him about three times. I never rode him. Just got on to start the process. He just stood there fine. I just recently got him back from the trainer, He informed me that he wouldn't allow me to ride Bourbon on his property but I could do whatever I wanted at home. He was at the trainers for two and half months. He's a big puppy dog but he also can have a big attitude. He kicks when he doesn't want to pick up his feet, especially his back ones. When he doesn't want to do something he will run whatever over or drag you along. I've worked with desensitizing him since he was young. However, when it comes to spray bottles or taking a bath its a nightmare. People are afraid of him, so am I at times. Is there any advice you can give me to help successfully move forward with his training?
A: First Christy, it sounds like you had a good beginning with him and he trusted you. Horses do not forget that so barring some really unusual accident at the trainers I bet you can earn his trust and build his and your confidence again. The important thing is to go slow, have a plan that specifically addresses his fears and builds a strong foundation. Think of it as a stone wall that you would want to last for a lifetime through all kinds of weather- you would give each stone you choose and its placement ( comparable to timing with your horse) great thought.
Safety comes first and there are lots of good resources available in this multi-media world to help. I will recommend a few to get you started with at the end. One thing you mention I would be cautious of is comparing him ( as many of us do! ;) ) to being like a “big puppy dog” or “having an attitude” as that can lead us into some misunderstandings. We can see it from a different perspective that may be more helpful. An example would be :Sometimes he is very relaxed and patient with me, sometimes he is feeling unsafe therefore is very disagreeable.
Safety comes first and there are lots of good resources available in this multi-media world to help. I will recommend a few to get you started with at the end. One thing you mention I would be cautious of is comparing him ( as many of us do! ;) ) to being like a “big puppy dog” or “having an attitude” as that can lead us into some misunderstandings. We can see it from a different perspective that may be more helpful. An example would be :Sometimes he is very relaxed and patient with me, sometimes he is feeling unsafe therefore is very disagreeable.
For now I would forget about riding and focus on all the ground basics so you and others are safe around him and can keep him safe as well.As I often ask people “If you are not safe with a horse on the ground, if you are not able to accomplish all basic skills safely and easily on the ground. WHY would you want to climb on the horse’s back?” I ask people this to really get them thinking about the way they think about training their horse, the steps involved and about SAFETY!
As to Bourbon’s current behavior, it is difficult to give you specific directions as I or anyone helping you needs to see what is happening in your interactions. I do feel safe to say that it is likely your cues and requests are not being understood by Bourbon. And likely he does not feel safe, that is why he is trying to flee, i.e. “run over people”. As to kicking, when you try to pick up his feet, the fact that he has not actually kicked you means he does not want to hurt you, he is trying to tell you that he does not feel safe, he is confused as to why to what is trying to be accomplished or it is a challenge for him for reasons outside the scope of this response. For some horses it is very helpful if you give them a motivation
Here is what to master first:
1) Approaching and Haltering-These first moments will determine how each interaction goes. A horse that has learned to approach you or be approached willingly and actively is ready to be a partner!
Here is what to master first:
1) Approaching and Haltering-These first moments will determine how each interaction goes. A horse that has learned to approach you or be approached willingly and actively is ready to be a partner!
2) Leading and Body Movement- This will allow you to hone your skills in creating safe boundaries and signaling. Also you can hone his body maneuvering and coordination skills. Invaluable!
3) Grooming, Blanketing and Picking out feet- will create a bond, pleasurable memories, allow him to get comfortable with objects( blanket fabric in this case ) touching all parts of him including around his head and letting him hear the sound of this.
3) Grooming, Blanketing and Picking out feet- will create a bond, pleasurable memories, allow him to get comfortable with objects( blanket fabric in this case ) touching all parts of him including around his head and letting him hear the sound of this.
4) Working Simple Obstacles on Ground- The ability to cross ground poles, go through a gate or doorway and to cross a tarp or bridge is going to teach both of you how to communicate to each other very well and BUILD CONFIDENCE and TRUST!
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These may sound really basic given the time and money you put into Bourbon but do not be discouraged. Think about where you are now and how great it would be to have these skills and confidence down so well you both looked forward to them! Also, it may have a snowball effect, meaning since he has a good memory of doing some of these before with you as you go through them and rebuild confidence each step and day can get easier and easier. Nothing is 100% but I can say if you do this appropriately and with some professional help that you have good communication with, you will have achieved more than most people ever achieve with their horse- a foundation that is unshakeable and a happy, willing partner!
Please keep us posted on your progress with Bourbon! We all learn from sharing with each other!
Please keep us posted on your progress with Bourbon! We all learn from sharing with each other!
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