AboutJennifer Bulger Expertise I can answer questions about training and showing, both western and english. From Groundwork to show ring. My speciality is reining horses and I especially enjoy teaching people how to work with their horse without a bridle. I enjoy teaching people how to communicate with their horses using non-agressive methods, yet still reaching rewards and generating sucess in a timely manner.
Experience I've trained horses for over 20 years. I've showing horses to multiple levels and awards, from leading the nation, to world championships, with special emphasis on reining horses.
Publications NRHA, AQHA, PCJ and Horsetrader
Education/Credentials College, and the school of "wet saddle blankets". I have been fortunate to ride with many of the top trainers over my lifetime and believe in continued education by attending as many clinics and workshops as possible.
Question i have a year and a half quarter horse very loving and gentle the past 2 times i have fed him he side kicked my husband and i blamed it on a tree limb he might have tripped over because it was dark but this morning i went up to feed him he was his normal loving self and i went through the gate and he was walking beside me and out of nowhere hi side kicked me in the butt and elbow not hard enough to hurt me but enough it really caught me off guard he never acts like this we are going to get him gelded when the weather cools own a bit per our vet just don't know why he has started this any advice would greatly be appreciated
Answer Hi Andrea,
I am sorry you are having some issues with your horse. I'd need a bit more info to give you an indepth answer, such as what you were doing before your horse kicked, what the surroundings were like, what was his mood like, were his ears pinned, was he ultra sensitive or spooky? That said, I think your first step is to geld him, kicking is a sign of agression and used by Alpha horses to show their status in the herd. Moving past gelding him, I'd suggest some de-sensitizing, and working on getting control of all his body parts. I'd start with having him stand and touching him all over with a long lunge whip, then tieing different things to the end of the whip, a small grocery sack works good, a towel and working till you can touch him everywhere with that. I'd also do along of flextion and getting him to move off slight body pressure and eventually just off your body lanugage, so you can move his hip, shoulders and body, asking him to sidepass, turn on the haunces and forehand. By controlling each part you will gain more respect from him and be able to correct behaviour issues before they start.
