Kicking

[Jodie]

I was wondering if anyone had any ideas on ways to stop a horse from swinging round to kick you when you go to catch him unless you have food. Before i realised he did this i just went up to him and he swung round and kicked (luckily i got outta the way) then tried to pretend i had food by holding my hand out like i did but he realised i didn't b4 i got the halter on. so now i have to take food down and quickly put the halter on while his eating. His not my horse just a riding school one but i was curious on ways of stoping it or other ways of catching him without food coz when i help out there i gotta catch him and dont agree with having to use food all the time.

[Showjumper]

Probably, he thinks that whenever he sees you, you're going to make him go to work. The only way I can think of to combat this problem is to teach him that being caught is a good thing - catch him (use food - it'll entice him), then stroke him, give him a treat and let him go. If the weather permits, go out and visit him. He'll soon begin to see you as a good thing and realise that being caught doesn't always mean work! :) Good Luck.

[Gracie]

I agree with show jumper. My friend had the same problem yesterday at the stable, she let a gelding back out into the feild before she put his turnout blanket back on. So then she had to go catch him but everytime she got close enough the horse would run away! I agree that the horse saw her as a "Working figure" instead of her "Buddy figure!" I agree with show jumper that probably spending some extra time with the horse(If the barn permitts)would be an excellent way to show the horse he's not just being brought in for work! Maybe if you told the stable that your just trying to fix the horses habit!
give it a go! Good luck! ;)

[Outrider]

As I approach a horse from behind, I let him know I'm coming from a good distance. Once he sees me and I get closer, if he hasn't turned towards me, I use a raised voice and hands slapping my chaps to get him to move away and turn to face me. I don't like to go up the south end of a horse unless I have to, and I don't like to use food to get him to face me. Once I establish myself as the herd leader, they will generally face me and not keep their butts to me. If they do, I will carry a popper or even a long lunge whip and crack it so they will get out of my way and turn to face the noise and me. Happy Trails!

[Jodie]

Thanx for all your advice i'll keep it in mind.