Terrible Two's?

[jeenyus68]

Hi everyone,
Ok so my gelding just turned 2 and it seems that everything I have ever taught him he has suddenly forgot, or just stopped caring about. I've done tons of ground work with him(not lunging yet, I'm waiting a bit for that, but walking,grooming, tons of handling) and lately he's been pushing,spooky,extremely vicious when it comes to his grain and does not like to be away from the other horses for more than .2 seconds.I taught him how to tie when I first got him and it's never been a problem, a few weeks ago he decided he'd rather not be tied and pulled back hard, got his lead rope caught on the fence and he snapped the clip off the lead rope. This was unusual for him because he's been tied so many times before, and now he will not stay still and he pulls back. He's also been cross-tied for quite(by himself as well, I've barely had him in the barn with another horse, he's used to doing things alone)a while and now if another horse is not in the barn he gets completely nervous, dances around, tries to turn around and I'm scared he is going to hurt himself. When being led now he would rather drag you around than walk beside you. As a yearling I took him for walks down the road near vehicles, he's seen all sorts of tractors and machinery because he used to live by it all, and nothing ever phased him, recently if he cannot see one of the other horses he panics. I'm not sure if he's suffering separation anxiety? Do you guys have any advice for this? Especially the fact that he tries to drag me and does not listen while leading him because he has been lead so many times before and was always so good about it. I'm extremely confused and I really hope it's just a phase he is going through because he just hasn't seemed to be his regular self. He also got himself into the whole pinning his ears and trying to kill you when you feed him thing. Once you give it to him he's fine, but when you are heading for his stall he gives you the look of death and once tried to kick me on the way out of his stall. I will take any sort of advice! Thank you

[Flony_Pony]

Im no expert, but mine used to drag me when she got nervous. ANd once she found out she could do it she did it more!

He may well just be testing you and his-self to see what he can do and get away with. He is probably changing bodily and strength wise etc. Just try and correct him when he is naughty and show him your boss. When mine barged off with me i used bit snaps so she had a bit in her mouth or a halter to give me a bit more control.

She still pulls away when tied up (even took a whole plank of wood with her the other day) but she is getting better, normally stands fine just when she gets excited or scard she pulls! Remember practice makes perfect! (just lots of it!!! lol)

Good luck!!

[sheryl]

I have had my own long, hard struggle with my youngster, now rising 4.

I would say, make sure he's having a completely non-heating diet.

Start doing a bit of groundwork training with him every day, just for 5 mins or so. Just aim for him to focus on you, and listen. Practice moving him around, where you want him to go - backwards and sideways etc... Voice commands are good, because one day you will be able to use them when lungeing and riding. Don't forget loads of praise for every little try;)

Always lead with a bridle, and a long rope. Try to keep his attention. And always make sure you have a hat on, gloves, good boots etc.

I find all the safety gear helps to give me extra confidence, to deal with him, and that goes a long way;)

As for the seperation anxiety, could you leave him in his stable each day for a while? He needs to learn that he can be safe on his own.

Good luck anyway. I know exactly what you're going through:rolleyes:

[Skyhuntress]

Haha, yes, the terrible twos ;)
It's not uncommon. I remember my first foal was a DARLING. Hit 2 years old and was a TERROR-tried to bite me, wouldn't stand for the farrier, would spook at things when I would have thought he was almost bombproof.

They do snap out of it :)
The trick is just to be attentive. Reward when something goes wrong. Get after them if things go bad, but make it quick.

If he is really starting to tank off with you, maybe put a chain lead line on...you don't have to use it or anything (can be used as a simple lead line), but should you run into problems, its easy to slip on, give him a short, sharp yank so he learns he can't tank off with you while being led, and then resume your walk. Just a thought :)

[Tots N Dots]

I bought Pickle when he was 2 years 3 months old, he had only just been gelded but he was a darling, I think he is immature for his age but just as he turned 3 he really tried it on, and I think he is going through the same thing again having just turned 4, I think its a bit like kids? well my 2 little humans seem to go through phases too lol,
Kate Wooton on here helped me no end and then Pickle went to visit Holiday to be broken in, that certainly gave him something to think about :D
I think with Pickle he gets bored and extra stimulation for his brain now and again :) and I have had to stop being such a softie with him :o