catch 22...what to do

ive got this situation that i dont know what to do about. some of you would have read my posts on my cranky pants warmblood :) well, we were making great progress in many ways but we were still having some respect issues with him. about 5 weeks ago we decided that because he was alpha horse in the paddock, he may be thinking he is alpha horse with us as well. seeing as we have a rather large yard for him, we decided that he wasnt going to go out into the paddock again until he learnt some darn manners :)

this worked brilliantly within only a couple of days. i think he quickly learnt that once he wasnt out there we were his only source of food etc and he had to rely on us. a week went by and he was doing well and then he started to get cranky with being in his yard all the time even though he was either being ridden out or taken for a walk out every day.

so after a week and a half i decided to let him out for the day and bam, straight back to his disrespect, cranky pants ways. so he came in...got cranky...let him out...got cranky...and so on. i dont want to leave him in the yard but it seems to be getting more response from him than putting him out which makes him super alpha male.

we are still working on some frank bell stuff for respect/bonding etc but he is taking a while to pick all this up.

what is everyone elses thoughts on my situation?

Hi Jazzyrider!! I am new and also in Brisvagas!!! (be nice)

I would keep trying with the yarding... maybe longe him on the days you can't ride to get all the rubbish out of him and continue to perservere. His attitude toward the world is not going to change in a few weeks. It is going to take time . I find that it helps to remind them that you are there friend by taking him small treats at times that you are not going to feed him or work him, this way he learns that just because you are coming to see him - doesn't always mean that you want something from him...... Keep your chin up, he will improve

yay! another brisbanite :)

i dont expect him to change straight away im just concerned cause one way or the other he is getting cranky about something lol

we've been working really hard on making friends with him and spend ages taking him for walks, sitting with him while he munches hay on the neighbouring property, giving him treats and scratches in his happy spots and all those other things that make horses melt :)

where abouts in brissie are you?

on the south side. Shailer Park area..... You????

south side also...inala :) hoping to move out of there though as there is nowhere to ride really, not much shelter and its constantly wet so regular exercise is impossible considering we are finally getting some rain :) you dont know of anywhere that doesnt cost a million bucks a week do you lol