Problems catching my horse

[nqt2003]

I am planning to get a RA out to work with Mikey and me at some point, but at the moment I can't afford it :( and his leg has been swollen because of his mudfever, so have been putting it off until he is better.

However, he went into the summer fields on Monday morning and stayed out for the first time last night. The last couple of days he has been difficult to catch - he just walks away as I walk towards him. I've tried tempting him with a carrot but this can cause problems as some of the other horses decide they should have the carrot, or he's just not interested. It doesn't matter what time of day I try to catch him either :(

Tonight, I had to stand with a treat on my hand and not look at him, he finally wandered over and ate the treat while I put the leadrope :confused:

I know it could be due to the new grass but was just wondering if anyone had any advice for catching him as its not always possible to stand in the field with a carrot as I could end up being mobbed!:rolleyes:

[Joyscarer]

Joy had never been difficult to catch until we introduced a new gelding to the herd and opened up to a massive paddock.

I went out and spent some time tickling the others and Joy got jealous and chased them all off and practically put her own headcollar on.

When I got her in I realised just how hot and sweaty she was so the introduction of the new boy is helping to keep her fit :p I put down this new behaviour to the fact that she was to knackered to work (have badly twisted my ankle so that wasn't going to happen anyway) and I just gave her a pampering and small feed and then walked her (she walked I limped) down the lane where there is real grass rather than the poor excuse for grazing we have!


Anyway, long story short, why do you think your horse has done this? If it is because of new found freedom then spend time in the field and go and give him a tickle and then walk off. In otherwords don't let him associate you in the field with loss of freedom :D

[nqt2003]

:mad: I went up this morning to catch Mikey, take his rug off and put his fly mask on. But would he let me catch him? NO! He had a look on his face and I couldn't get anywhere near him. He wasn't interested in the carrot I had, my friend came in and tried but no luck :( He just kept walking away and hiding behind the other horses. So i've had to leave him with his rug on - its only a lightweight so hopefully he won't get too hot and if I can't catch him tonight at least he's got a rug on.

The thing is I need to be able to catch him to put cream on his leg as his mudfever is not 100% healed

Any advice? I'm feeling really down about this at the moment as I am having other problems in my personal life and I just want to spend time with my horse - I've contacted the RA but any suggestions until she can come out?

[Denbenj]

Have you tried leaving him out in a headcoller( quick release type) just gives you the upper hand with it on..something to get hold of!!

Its hard when there out with others as you cant just shake a bucket of food!

Could you perhaps section your horse of until his mudfever is healed. May give you a better chance of catching?

Sorry not much advice! Its probabley down to the horse being in new lush summer fields..and your bringing him in to sort his sores out...not a tempting offer over the grass lol!!!

good luck with him.. xx