Gaining Respect through NH

[Alice25]

I've been having problems recently with my cob Alfie (see this thread http://www.newrider.com/forum/showthread.php?t=62839 ) and Ipsa made a very sensible suggestion that I come to this page to see if anyone here can give me some simple and easy methods I can try to gain some respect from him.

I have Kelly Marks's book which I find very good, but don't really have anywhere to try the exercises as the thread explains.

Thanks everyone :)

[Crystal Fire]

I think that a problem that can be a bit dangerous, like napping and bolting, is best dealt with by having some help, rather than using a book or video.
My friend Shuna Shaw is the closest NH style trainer I know to you, sorry not exactly on the doorstep, she lives near Kilmelford, by Oban. She is a fantastic trainer though, with horses and people. I'm sure she wouldn't mind if you were to ring her for a chat, for all I know she may come to your area sometimes. Her number is 07960 014646. (I think she may be on holiday, but she'll return messages when she gets back).
Rather than try to deal with this alone I would definitely get help. I'm not sure I see this as a respect issue by the way, it sounds to me like he has lost some confidence, for whatever reason and it might not be anything you've done. He's just doing what horse do when they get a bit worried - leaving.

[Jacquie]

My suggestion would be to forget about riding him for a while and concentrate more on getting his attention and respect from the ground first. The PNH seven games are an excellent base to build on.

http://horsetraining.8k.com/games.html

Don't be in a rush, take the time it takes and you'll soon start to see an improvement in his behaviour. All it needs is patience, time and understanding to help overcome the problems your experiencing with your horse at the moment.

It would aslo be a good idea to check on the internet to see if there's any Natural Horsemanship trainers in your area.

Good luck and keep us updated. :)

[horsemadmandy]

Hi
I am very interested in what NH stands for sorry for being so naive but this is new to me and I would like to know more. Thanks :)

[Jacquie]

Hi
I am very interested in what NH stands for sorry for being so naive but this is new to me and I would like to know more. Thanks :)
Hi horsemadmandy
NH stands for Natural Horsemanship. ;)

[Naturally]

Don't worry, you haven't ruined this horse, but I'm concerned he is ruining you and your confidence.

Sounds to me like dominant/confident horse behaviour and yes you need to find a way to address it. I can't help you with contacts as I'm on the other side of the world, but do take up some of the above suggestions. I'm a huge PNH advocate and the new packs are excellent and a vast improvement on the older ones, but it's not for everyone. So take the time to sort out what and how you can best be helped and be pro-active in getting it.

My young horse has knocked my confidence level a few times. I'm re-armed now, especially with the new L2 PNH pack, because it emphasises so much on understanding equine behaviour patterns, how read them and to change them.

Also just remember if you are out riding and he gets a little up, it's OK to get off. Proving who's boss doesn't work in these situations, because he is winning the game.

Good luck.

[Supercali]

He sounds like my 6 year old cob who I got in april of this year. He was meant to be my 'bomb-proof cob' but when I got him home he started with the dragging, barging and practically walking all over me.

After a couple of days and narrowly missing having broken bones I was crying and seriously thinking of ringing his previous owners to ask if they would take him back.

Anyway I decided to ring up a local trainer who uses 'natural horsemanship' methods and after the first groundwork lesson our relationship changed for the better and he started seeing me as his leader. I now have weekly lessons.

I did have to be a bit firm with him to begin with - it's not in my nature really - but it's mainly about moving and controlling their feet.

You can read up about it and watch videos but I would definitely recommend getting a local NH trainer to show you.

You will need to build up your trust with each other using groundwork before moving on to riding. 6 is still a young age for a hose and they are insecure and need you for guidance. If they do not have trust in you then they overreact and nap and spook (understandable really)

Good luck with your cob. 5 months down the line with mine and I love him to bits now - I can see the cheeky side of him. BTW they are very intelligent and once over one problem will usually find another one for you to work on :D

[Nikiolola]

i have the kelly marks book, and, although sis wasn't very naughty, she was bargey and walked all over me. I started to do the excercises for 10 minutes when I caught her in the field every night, just using a halter and leadrope, and within the first couple of days the pushy behaviour stopped. You don't need anywhere to do the excercises.