he doesnt want to listen

[ponigurlami]

Hi, i have an issue with my 2 year old irish sporthorse, hes such a quick learner which is now becoming the problem, his old owners were quite impatient with him when he was younger then one day he fought back and learnt how strong he actually is and everyone backed of him like a red hot brick. so when i bought him it was already 1:0 to him. so far he knows not to barge through doors and lead quietly on occasions but when it comes to something he doesnt want he acts like the yard staff are invisable rearing up and running them down, thankfully when its me he seems to avoid the second part. He knows when he doesnt have to do things for example some days he'll load quietly straight up wether theirs someone in there already or not and other days he'll plant and say no, you can try what you want food, nets, making the box lighter inside, pushing him even a lunge whip doesnt faze him at all. My yard owner has said he ''loves me'' but doesnt respect me and insists hes in charge. ive tryed lunging him and for a few circles he listens to every word then turns his head and procceds to drag me across the arena EVEN If some one has hold of him. i dont think i can call this a proper behaviour problem as he has basically been told its ok by his previous owners but more of a communication and respect issue im sure i can get through to him but when he doesnt want to listen then thats it.ive tryed join-up but after a few minutes he got bored of being pushed away and turned and tryed rounding me up. he can be good hes never nasty doesnt bite or kick although his previous owners insisted he was a terrible kicker and nipper. i am willing to try anything, i dont want to sell him at all but neither do i want to be pushed around by him.

[Expert_JohnJones]

Hi Ponigurlami,
Thank you for your message, firstly you are right to address your youngsters ground manners now. As you know using strength doesn’t work! as horses are far stronger than us. Unfortunately your youngster’s previous owners have taught him to fight and avoid doing things by intimidating people. This is not your horse’s fault and sadly horses like him soon get a bad name.
It is up to you to train him how to behave safely and lead well. I suggest you get professional help to show you how to teach him to lead well, load and general ground manners. You can find help by visiting the Intelligent Horsemanship Website http://www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk and looking under Horse Help for an Intelligent Recommended Associate in your area who can come and help you.
You are not alone many people find themselves in your situation with 2yr olds. They like to play, their teeth are changing; they are curious about their environment and learn incredibly quickly good and bad habits.
Every time you are with him you are training him so rather than thinking of setting aside time to train him it is his day-to-day handling that is very important. Things such as his feed and how you keep him will affect his behaviour. Feed high in energy and sugar will make him more challenging for his handler. The old fashioned feed rules apply -always feed for work done, give him lots of roughage and be aware of how much and the type of hard feed you give him if any.
Is he kept with others? It is vital that youngsters have other horses to play with. If they don’t have other equine company you can be the brunt of their frustration and need to play. Kelly Marks book Perfect Manners has groundwork exercises in it that will help you. I suggest you don’t use Join Up as you could confuse him, aim to work on his leading and manners, which in turn will help with his loading.
Only do things you feel safe doing, wear a hard hat and use a long lead rope. You are welcome to phone me on 01981 510 269 to talk in more detail about him and things you can do to teach him how you want him to be, or post here with more information about how he is kept and I can help you further. If you improve his ground manners he has more of a chance of becoming a well-mannered ridden horse in the future.
I look forward to hearing your progress
Best Wishes
John
http://www.horselistener.co.uk

[ponigurlami]

hi,
thank you so much for replying

i will certantly read kelly marks perfect manners as a friend of mine was telling me about it just the other day

at the moment he doesnt get fed except ad-lib haylage and hes kept at a riding school, at first he got very stressed out with horses coming and going but hes not fazed by this anymore.Apart from recently because of the snow hes usually turned out for a few hours over lunch time in a mixed group of riding school horses everyday and if for some reason he cant get into the feild he gets a 15min loose school session 2-3 times throught the day just so he gets out of his box.
this past week though Ive found he will cooporate more with me if what i ask him to do i make him think more leading for example if i lead him round the school chances are after a lap the scary moments begin but if i ask him to walk in and out of cones and barrels or over poles he almost acts like a childs first pony, even a tarpaulin on the ground makes him change his behaviuor instantly but he doesnt spook or shy and everyone has commented how relaxed he looks when hes been set a challenge. Now correct me if im wrong but thats rare coming from a horse whos so young and has never seen barrels, tarpaulin ect. and not exactly normal, im pleased hes not fazed by ANYTHING but why does he change so rapidly when asked to do something like this???

[Expert_JohnJones]

Hi Ponigurlami,
Happy New Year It sounds like you are making great progress together already. It is nice to hear he you are improving his leading and he has time with other horses. Getting used to horses coming and going and learning from a busy yard is also great. The more turnout he has the better as it gives him the opportunity to interact with other horses and use his energy he has built up in the stable. Ideally more turnout would be better for him.

“This past week though I’ve found he will cooperate more with me if what I ask him to do I make him think more”
You have hit the nail on the head! You need to make it interesting for him, with things to keep his attention on you rather than allowing him to set his own agenda.
When he is in the field with his mates he can do what he likes. When he is with us our aim is to get him in a thinking frame of mind so it is enjoyable for both horse and handler/rider. Developing his reasoning side of the mind.
Aim to end your sessions on a good note and keep changing what you are asking him to do, keeping it interesting for him. As a two year old he is equivalent to a eight year old child so keep sessions short and really reward him when he gets things right.
Remember every time you are with him you are training him, keep up the good work.
Once again feel free to ask more questions either here on the H&R forum or by phoning 01981 510 269. I look forward to hearing how you get on in 2011.
Best Wishes
John
http://www.horselistener.co.uk