Expert: D LaChapelle www.Laurelmountainfarms.com - 10/5/2009

Question
QUESTION: What have I done wrong?
I have owned my horse for 4 yrs. I brought him as a very under weight, non educated 16.1hh (6ft 9"rugs) stunning liver chestnut. In the last 4 years he has grown just a bit! He is now a stunning 17.2hh (7ft 3"rugs)
We took things really slow, Life was running fantastically apart from being a bit of a challenge to ride at times. Due to unforeseen circumstances with myself he has had some time off. Since coming back into work he is an angle to ride but a complete death trap to walk in hand only coming in from the field. He goes out in the morning like a pussy cat but comes in with the devil and his army in him. He wouldn't think twice to rear, should barge you, buck, kick out, ram you into whatever he can ram you into, 5 bar metal gates, barbed wire etc. I don't know what else to do or why he is doing this. His attitude stinks, He will stand in his stable and if his dinner is not there he rams the door,kicks the door, growls, neighs and is a complete nightmare. WHY should i feed him with this attitude? Well its got to the point that his dinner is waiting for him as the stable is so weak that the whole front is ready to come off. He has push a front off a stable before. if he is shaking his head while in the field at me i know I'm in for it so take the chiffney with me, wipe, gloves, head collar you name it. oh and everyone stands clear. I really would like to know why why why he could be acting like this. CAN ANYONE HELP x

ANSWER: Hi Amanda!

Your horse has no respect for you as a leader.  The horse is NEVER wrong.  The essential nature of the HORSE is to preserve itself in mind, body and spirit.  It is this essential nature that the horseman/woman tries to use and not fight.  

You have no control of your horses FEET, and you are not a leader he can trust.  You also know that he is HUNGRY when you are bringing him in.  If there is not enough for him to graze on during the day, and his belly HURTS, he is smart enough to know that food is inside and that he REALLY needs food!!!  Make sure he is getting hay out in his pasture.  Do you see the pattern???  He goes out full and feeling good, "like a pussy cat" but comes in "like the devil".  FEED HIM!  Make sure he is getting a small meal just prior to coming in the barn.  When he is feeling less desperate, then go back and take a look at how much of your basic horsemanship is missing!

Getting control of the feet is getting control of the mind.  Go back to the beginning and get to the feet.  I'm sure you have not learned the classical ground work that will so change you and your horse.  Watch the ground work DVD by Buck Brannaman.  You can rent it from Horse Flix or buy it.  Your horse should be able to do EVERYTHING on this DVD.  This is the classical ground school that every horse should know and most do not.  

If you need a clarification on any of these concepts, let me know.

Smiles,

Denise


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Denise,

Thank you ever so much for putting a thought to me. His BAD attitude isn't every day and the field he is in has at least 6" of grass all over, The field has been empty for a year and maintained, rolled, topped etc, Grass is good and only he in there. He has friends either side. I have just ( over the last week) changed his food back to what he was on before he had time off and the last 3 afternoons he has come in as good as he has gone out. Yes I do believe I need to work on our relationship. He is so demanding, When I turn up on the yard, say hello to him and get his breakfast. I can then not talk to any body or any other horse while he is still in his stable (you know the general chit chat that us lady's do) as he will kick the door, shake his head etc. do horse's suffer from jealousy I wonder.

I do appreciate you taking the time you have to reply

Amanda x

Answer
Hi Amanda!

Horses are SMART!  Studies have shown that horses are smart on the level of Dolphins!  They too are a dual brained animal!  Yes, I do think that horses are capable of jealousy.  I see it in my horses all the time.  It is jockeying for status in the herd, dominance, and competition for resources, even if that resource is a good grooming!

Yes, your horse is saying "I have needs here!  Turn me out, lets get going!"  I can't say that I blame him!  Being in a stall is not the best for any horse!  I always let people know that I will save the chat until my horses are out and those basic needs of movement and exercise are being met.  Then a chat will be much more relaxed and your horse will be feeling good too!

Trust your instincts Amanda!  You really do know how to read your horse, all you have to do is listen and follow through!  This will change your relationship so much for the better!

Smiles,

Denise