Hi everyone
I really need some advice on how to deal with planting and general leading in hand troubles.
Occasionally I have a problem with Del (my 2yo), that he will plant while leading, usually while coming in from the field.
When he does this, I've tried gently reassuring him with a pat and asking to walk on, I've tried applying rythmic pressure by tugs/vibrations down the leadrope, I've tried being firm and growling at him to walk on, I've tried turning him to get him to step sideways and get him to move his feet.
These work with varying degrees of success but sometimes nothing works at all and we get stuck! Then the only thing that will move him is someone giving him a shove on the rump from behind (he has never kicked out though we are always careful with this)
As to the reasons for his planting:
- The place that we usually get stuck is the entrance to his stable block. He has to walk down a passage past grumpy old pony mare who has occasionally nipped at him so I think it is a bit of fear on his part. I always shoo her to back of stable or even get someone to stand in front of her door but he still won't pass her. I kind of understand this, but on the other hand he walks past her on the way out every morning and never bothers! Sometimes he'll plant for a bit even when she's not in.
- I do think it might be fear of her as he also sometimes plants if I'm trying to lead him and her together (they are turned out together). As in I don't think he feels comfortable leading up by her? He's out with her and another youngster, she's the babysitter and obviously the dominant one in the group, though she doesn't show the slightest bit of interest in him while leading.
- Despite this though, he will sometimes plant when she's nowhere in sight. He doesn't nap/spin/pull or anything, just stops! I think its either lack of confidence or just not wanting to come in (he doesn't do it on the way down to the field!). I do try and have a bit of leading 'practice' once a week or so outside of turning in and out. He's quite good though does tend to trail behind a bit and wants to follow rather than walk up by shoulder which also maybe suggests a lack of confidence?
Either way, it's very annoying and I don't really know what to do as am reluctant to carry a stick and start chasing him with it. Do you think this is what I should do? Its not hugely problematic atm but its meaning that he won't load as can't get him going forward in hand and any possible in-hand shows this yr are out of question given our rubbish leading style!
I really need some advice on how to deal with planting and general leading in hand troubles.
Occasionally I have a problem with Del (my 2yo), that he will plant while leading, usually while coming in from the field.
When he does this, I've tried gently reassuring him with a pat and asking to walk on, I've tried applying rythmic pressure by tugs/vibrations down the leadrope, I've tried being firm and growling at him to walk on, I've tried turning him to get him to step sideways and get him to move his feet.
These work with varying degrees of success but sometimes nothing works at all and we get stuck! Then the only thing that will move him is someone giving him a shove on the rump from behind (he has never kicked out though we are always careful with this)
As to the reasons for his planting:
- The place that we usually get stuck is the entrance to his stable block. He has to walk down a passage past grumpy old pony mare who has occasionally nipped at him so I think it is a bit of fear on his part. I always shoo her to back of stable or even get someone to stand in front of her door but he still won't pass her. I kind of understand this, but on the other hand he walks past her on the way out every morning and never bothers! Sometimes he'll plant for a bit even when she's not in.
- I do think it might be fear of her as he also sometimes plants if I'm trying to lead him and her together (they are turned out together). As in I don't think he feels comfortable leading up by her? He's out with her and another youngster, she's the babysitter and obviously the dominant one in the group, though she doesn't show the slightest bit of interest in him while leading.
- Despite this though, he will sometimes plant when she's nowhere in sight. He doesn't nap/spin/pull or anything, just stops! I think its either lack of confidence or just not wanting to come in (he doesn't do it on the way down to the field!). I do try and have a bit of leading 'practice' once a week or so outside of turning in and out. He's quite good though does tend to trail behind a bit and wants to follow rather than walk up by shoulder which also maybe suggests a lack of confidence?
Either way, it's very annoying and I don't really know what to do as am reluctant to carry a stick and start chasing him with it. Do you think this is what I should do? Its not hugely problematic atm but its meaning that he won't load as can't get him going forward in hand and any possible in-hand shows this yr are out of question given our rubbish leading style!
- the more I haul her, the worse she gets.