Help....standing quietly

[MDLawGirl]

Ok everyone,

I need your help. Jameson has been home with me almost two weeks and I have been trying to tack him up the last few days. Now he stood very quietly on the crossties for the woman who sold him to me....but he dances when I try to restrain him....crossties...no...hitching post...no....I don't think I can bridle or saddle him by myself. And he is so strong and large that he simply pulls the rings out when I try to secure him. How do I get him to stand quietly?

Help.

[julia gulia]

Originally Posted by MDLawGirl

:. Now he stood very quietly on the crossties for the woman who sold him to me....:

There's your answer...he can do it and do it well. But he knew the woman who sold him to you better than he knows you. Is he in a new home now that he is with you? If so, then he has new friends to get used to, a new environment, a new schedule, possibly new feed and you are new to him too. Give him some time to get to know you and feel safe around you.

[NicP]

I agree that he has to get used to the new routine but be careful he doesn't start to take advantage and think he can get away with it. I had a bit of a problem with Cody starting to get bargey and the very sensible advice I got from the kind folk on here was not to let him get away with it.

He needs to learn that it isn't acceptable for him to behave that way with you. Do you have somebody who can help out till he learns to stand still?

[MDLawGirl]

His former owner warned me that he would try to get over if given the chance. I guess I am still trying to figure out how to balance being tough with being kind and patient.

I know there is a trainer on site...but she is managing the farm and really cannot devote a ton of time to my issues. Most of the boarders have worked through horse issues on their own.

How do I know if he is still in a transitioning phase or if he is reverting/regressing? He is young...just turned 5....and huge! So much bigger than my paint mare.

I made a big mistake being too kind and patient with my mare, that I forgot that whether or not they are in transition, respect has to be there all of the time. As a teacher I think of new horses as my students. I come in, I set the rules, demand respect, have a bit of a heavy hand for the first bit to establish who's "boss", once this is established I can have some fun with them. Being kind and patient is great, but respect for you has to be there all of the time, or it will give him the idea that you will tolerate him stepping all over you and doing what he wants. Catch it quick and establish your authority!

[Joyscarer]

If this were me and given that he can do it then when he moves I would say 'no' and put him back to where he was. I would keep doing this for as long as it takes he time he moved until he realises what you want and that you have more patience and could go on all day if you had to. He needs to give up before you do even if it means not riding that day.

But setting it clear from the start what is expected he should settle into it.

My other concern was whether the tack fitted ok or there was a problem with him and he is telling you in the only way he knows how. Maybe he gave up with the previous owner.