She was good and now she's naughty again!

[Tango]

Hi

Some of you may remember Tango, my rescue horse, who I sponsor and help to look after. When we were first introduced, for the first couple of weeks or so, she was not interested in me at all and when I went into the field to catch her one of the other horses used to be a bit of a bully and try and bite her when I went near her. So she would always walk or trot away from me and it took a long time to be able to gain her trust and go in and put her headcollar on and lead her down for grooming. But then after nearly a month we really started to get on and she was perfect, she would stand patiently whilst I put on her headcollar and would come with me down to the gate and let me groom her and we would stand like this for ages. The other horse, whilst still a problem became less of one.

But now she has done some serious bonding with this other horse as there are only four in the field now as opposed to 7 before, and when I go to put the head collar on now and lead her down, she stops; lifts her head and then goes in the opposite direction with me hanging on to her (very strong, stocky cob type). I do not understand why she has gone backwards instead of forwards. There was another little pony in the field recently who was there temporarily who I would also pay some attention to as she was a rescue pony and in need of some tlc, but apart from that nothing is different. Any suggestions as to why. And any suggestions as to how I can overcome this stubborness without getting dragged through the nettles in the field? I need some advice on introducing her back to having some decent manners.
Sorry it's so long. I don't post that often .... but when I do.... I sincerely do!!!
:D

[Maci]

I'm thinking that maybe your horse picked up the bad manners from his new 'horse friend'. Either that, or Tango is experiencing some emotional trauma. All I can think of is teach Tango who's boss. Give him a smack, and tell him 'NO' when he does something he's not suppose to. If that doesn't work, try to find out if it's a horse or a human, who's giving him these bad manners.
Good Luck!
Maci :)

[Jay Kay]

Hi Tango

Do you know much about Tango's past? If she has bonded strongly with another horse, she is probably in need of security, her confidence will be lacking if she has a traumatic past.She may have no reason to think that people are worth bothering with.
The herd instinct will be strong with her,she has shown that by being pals with the dominant member, the fact that 3 others have recently gone from the herd will have upset her and may be she is worried that it will be her turn next ?
I think only time and consistancy will work with her, who knows what is going on in her head ,try catching her, and letting her go instantly, then catching her walking a few paces next time, let her go and build up to getting her to the gate and then out of the gate, also just visit her in the field. Maybe a few carrots in a bucket when she does come in.
It can be very frustrating caring for horses with a dubious history, but very rewarding ultimatly, don't be put off, she will reward you in the end with her loyalty, you are doing a wonderful job.

Jay Kay.

[Frances]

I strongly reccommend that you do "join up" with Tango. Get a video, or Monty Robert's book and a friend to help. It is useful to have a second person there as they can tell you what the horse is doing when you turn your back.

Once you have done join up, when you next go into the field to catch her, take a schooling whip and catch the horse. Lead the horse firmly out of the field carrying the schooling whip like you would when riding and only tap her with it when the behaviour is bad.

You are trying to teach her that once you put the headcollar on it is business not playtime and she must do as you say and ignore the other horses and go to work with you.

I hope this helps. Praise her massively and make her see that going with you is not lonely and miserable and that your company is just as fun as being with the other horses. You are the herd leader to her and what you say goes.

[fionahogg]

I agree with Francis join up is an excellent idea. Good luck and let us know how you get on :)

[Tango]

Hi

Thanks so much for your replies. Jay Kay, Tango is a retired riding school horse, so should be well used to being caught and brought in. But the reason I am so confused is that for quite a while now she has been so good, and, I, in my naivity even thought she enjoyed being fussed over and groomed and getting lots of TLC.

I'm afraid I don't know what you mean by "join up"??

Also, I have been reading other posts today in "General" about Mares in season acting strangely. Do you think that could be the problem with Tango, and if so, how long does it last and how can I tell?

Once again thanks for the taking the time to reply.

:D

[Frances]

Join up is a technique that Monty Roberts (a horse trainer from USA) specialises in. He also has the world's most expensive video that you can buy that shows how to do it.

I think Richard Maxwell also does Join Up.

It is the process of changing the relationship you have with your horse, so that he/she believes you are the herd leader and looks to you for the answers.

It is a very good way of building trust and confidence and a good solid working and social relationship with your horse.

I think.

[moonfleet]

have you tried catching tango and one of her pals from the field together and taking them both out for a short walk together. This is not a long term solution, but it may help in the initial stages whilst you and tango are building up your relationship. She sounds like she is feeling some insecurity around leaving the field and equine company may give her more confidence and stop her from feeling that she is leaving her herd altogether.

[Flo]

I don't know much about join up, but Kelly Mark's book on it says that you shouldn't attempt it in older horses without specialist help. I'd be interested to know if anyone's tried it though and what effect it had.