Time to give up?

[cowgirlup237]

I have tried and tried to get my 3 year old to listen to me and do what I ask. He refuses. He is great around everyone else but he kicks at me, bites me, rears up when I walk him around and bucks when I lunge him. I just don't know what to do anymore.

I had the vet and the farrier look at him. They said hes fine. I have not done anything with the saddle or bridle anymore. Just ALOT of lunging at the walk and going for walks down the road and the trails near by. I even had someone else (an experianced horse trainer) work with him. He did beautifully for her. She asked me to come into the arena with her and showed me where to stand. I got him moving and he started to act up again.

What can I do??? I am seriously thinking of just selling him and buying a new horse. He has just gotten to difficult for me. I try to go in with a positive attitude when I work him and come out even more mad and confused. Any advice, encouragement anything?? Thanks.:(

[Sparkle]

Is there a difference between your attitude and other people's when they work him? If you're nervous or apprehensive when you're working him, he may pick up on that and take advantage og you/act up. Have someone else work him and observe them, then compare it to what you are doing. If you are acting differently, wether it be nervousness or fear, that could be triggering his bad behavior.

[Wally]

You are giving off the wrong vibes and you don't know it.

You need to get some lessons with a horse behaviourist or read some books about horse psychology, you'd be amazed at just how they way you stand will influence a horse.

Don't forget he's only 3 and really shouldn't be doing anyhting more than 20 minutes work every other day, his brain is still that of a kid and he needs to play and grow up.

[Tootsie4U]

Sounds alot like my horse a few months back. (he's only 3 too). I took some advise and gave him a break. A fresh start does wonders! If you're like me, you'll hate to do so (I hated the thought of stopping his training) but it honestly was the best thing I could do for both of us. Before you give up try this. Good luck

[cowgirlup237]

I gave him a week of no training. I just started lunging him today and he was as worse as he ever was. I only did 10 min. of it. I have talked to numerous trainers they all said that I was doing the right thing to let him have a break. I read a few books by John Lyons, Monty Roberts and Pat Parelli. I am thinking of trying Join-Up. But i don't have a round-pen nor do I have a trailer if I had access to use one at someone elses place. Any suggestions?

[vickie]

sometimes people and horses just don't click. if you feel that you have done all you can and he still uis no better, maybe now is the time to either involve a more experienced peron to train him, or to sell him to someone who can manage him. 3year olds can be very hard work and can pick up on a lack of knowledge or experience. and remember at 3 he is still a baby it will be another year before you can start to expect any 'work' from him.you need to sit down and think whether you have the experience, time, and money to turn this horse into a nice mannered riding or driving horse, or whether now is the time to sell him to a more suitable home.