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Help...Charging horse

4K views 39 replies 19 participants last post by  Quarterhorsedraft12 
#1 ·
Hey. I'm 15, been working with horses for almost 9 years now. That doesn't mean anything I know lol. But I have a serious problem. I have a 13 year old quarter horse draft mix. At first he seems Ok but once you want him to do something he charges at you. He will charge at you with ears pinned back and teeth out. I'm afraid someone will go near him and he might charge them. I'm afraid yes I'll admit but I don't not want to get rid of him. I want to work this out but i don't know what to do. Can someone give me tips, advice, anything. Also forgot to add this, he picked someone up with his teeth. He is a dangerous horse, but I do want to work this out.
 
#2 ·
This horse needs to be evaluated by a professional trainer to see if he can be rehabbed, or he needs to be put in the ground.

He's rank, dangerous, and already hurt someone. I can't believe your parents haven't already dealt with the massive liability this horse has become.

You're a youngster who has admitted to being afraid of him, so why do you think any of us would in good conscience give you any tips on how to handle him? Stay away from the horse. He's going to hurt or kill you without professional intervention.
 
#3 ·
You should be afraid because this horse could seriously injure or kill you. Who are the adults responsible for this horse? You need to get them involved. They need to understand the seriousness of this behavior, and the potential for people getting injured by this horse. The fact that he has picked someone up with his teeth makes the situation beyond what almost any amateur could work on with the horse. If I were related to you, I'd say only an adult could make the decision to work with a horse this dangerous, and someone underage should not be allowed to make that potentially life-threatening decision.

There is a very slim possibility that if you have a professional trainer specializing in problem horses work with the horse, and then teach you how to work with the horse, that you could keep the horse. But chances are good that the horse needs to find a home with a seriously experienced owner who can handle this type of horse and retrain him.

A horse like this needs to be managed very carefully while he learns this behavior is unacceptable. He cannot be around people who move away when he threatens, because that will reinforce the behavior. But a person can't just stand their ground while he's learning this, because he may back up his threat with biting or kicking a person in the head. It is very frightening to deal with horses like this, and requires excellent timing, flexibility, and a lot of experience so a person can change tactics quickly as they find what works for the horse. None of those things can be given as tips online.
 
#5 ·
WHY do you want to work with this horse? You're afraid of him (as you should be) and he's extremely dangerous. That is literally a deadly combination. If he knows you are afraid of him (which he does; horses sense these things), it is going to make him even more ruthless.

I suspect you want to work with this horse because you want to have the "pride" of fixing him. And emotionally, you can't bear him going down the road. But let me tell you a situation like this is NOT worth it. You WILL get hurt. A horse like this requires a very, very experienced horse person ... and even they could make a split-second mistake that could put them in harm's way.

There are plenty of non-dangerous horses you can work with and feel accomplished with. You do not (and should not) do it with a dangerous horse.

I agree with the other posters. Where are the adults and your parents in this situation? This horse needs to be put down before he kills someone. All it takes is a bite to the jugular, or a kick to the ribs or the head, which can happen in a split second. It's just not worth it.
 
#7 ·
I'm going to be a little more optimistic than the others here.
I get it, you care about this horse, you want to save him, you want the experience.
You should be afraid of him, he's extremely dangerous but that doesn't mean you absolutely must get rid of him.

A few questions:
1) Do your parents know much about horses?
2) Is he gelded?
3) Are your parents willing to get a trainer in?

I'm afraid that if you can't get a trainer in, he will cause a serious injury to somebody. If you can't get a trainer, maybe you know somebody with a lot more experience who will put him some manners in him and then help you with him?



And other posters, no need for saying to put a bullet in his head, she's a thirteen year old! Approach with at least a little bit of sympathy! I expected much more from somebody who I'm guessing is a police officer.
 
#8 ·
The HORSE is 13, the OP is 15. Apparently you didn't read the original post thoroughly.

None of us who have posted are LEOs to my knowledge, just experienced horse owners who know that most rank, dangerous animals are better off dead.

It's irresponsible to promise butterflies and rainbows when someone else's health and life are at stake.

If the adults in the situation aren't willing to address the issue, it's ludicrous to assume a young girl can 'fix' this animal.

It's not wise to encourage Black Stallion Syndrome, which is exactly what you're doing DannyBoy.
 
#9 ·
The HORSE is 13, the OP is 15. Apparently you didn't read the original post thoroughly.

None of us who have posted are LEOs to my knowledge, just experienced horse owners who know that most rank, dangerous animals are better off dead.

It's irresponsible to promise butterflies and rainbows when someone else's health and life are at stake.

If the adults in the situation aren't willing to address the issue, it's ludicrous to assume a young girl can 'fix' this animal.

It's not wise to encourage Black Stallion Syndrome.

Very easy to mix those details up. 15 is still young and inexperienced. I read the OP thoroughly.

I'm not encouraging HER to fix the horse but to get somebody else involved, also said that the horse will seriously injure somebody if she doesn't.
I specifically asked her parents and their experience with horses.We don't have the whole situation yet and the more helpful we are and the more questions we ask, the more we will know and be able to advise her.
She's a young girl and she won't listen to people who are saying to just kill the horse. She's not experienced in life and seems to have a very kind heart.
I also made no promises and said she should bring somebody more experienced in.

Maybe YOU are the one who needs to thoroughly read what I have said.
 
#10 ·
I'm actually pretty annoyed with you for saying I'm encouraging her to put her life at risk, I never once said she should be with him as he is right now. I said to get somebody in to straighten out the dangerous behavior who will then help her. I had a horse who could have killed me with a kick to the ribs, nearly kicked my head a few times, kicked my trainer so hard he nearly broke her leg, turned out to be the sweetest most gentle horse who gave rides to children as young as three and was used to teach the kids EVERYTHING at pony camp. My trainer decided to help us with him after he kicked her. I was 13 my 9 year old sister was sharing him with me. Obviously that example isn't as extreme as this dangerous horse.
And this horse isn't necessarily better off dead. King of Diamonds trained by John Hutchinson was a horribly dangerous animal who when partnered up with the RIGHT trainer became a top competitor and the most influential Irish Draught horse in Ireland. To avoid inbreeding you often see RIDs advertised as "not of KoD blood".
 
#11 ·
I do disagree "just shoot him". My own gelding would HAPPILY be that way with a novice/push over, BUT he is respectful and dare I say sweet (sometimes) with an experienced handler. BUT he needs the right home, don't be in his face and aggressive constantly and don't let him push you around because both he will react to. I would hate to think that he would be in that situation simply due to human ignorance, cause he's a REALLY nice horse, with some REALLY nice training (probably an important part of why he's respectful when required to be).

I agree with getting a trainer in and I would not try to "rehab" him, get the trainer to sell him to a more experienced/competent (for this) home, IF he/she thinks that is an option, some horses do genuinely have a screw loose and unfortunately for those euthansia is for the best.

Him staying is not an option and OP unfortunately you working with him is not an option if you value your safety. Throw him food over the fence and do NOT go in there. At this point he will get worse before getting better and anyone who needs to ask what to do shouldn't be doing it. I just deleted a little blurb I wrote here about what needs to be done simply because I don't want to offer ANY encouragement. Let me put it this way- it will be REALLY REALLY ugly, and that's if it goes well. There is a video of CA working with a spoiled horse, honestly that horse isn't even bad, just spoiled by the owner, and CA REALLY gets after him. Your horse is at a whole other level. Leave him alone, PLEASE and stay safe. Call a trainer and say you have a horse you can't keep because he's dangerous and you need an evaluation if the trainer can take him and SAFELY rehome him to the right home, or if he needs to be pts. (Note I say "trainer take him", it's important he is off your hands ASAP) I also wonder where the parents are in all of this.
 
#13 ·
Completely agree with you Yogiwick.
My horse was dangerous with pushovers, nearly broke my trainers leg, kicked me in the ribs, nearly kicked my head several times. I should not have been working with him and he was nowhere near as bad as the horse she describes.

You either need to sell to an experienced home/trainer OR the more expensive option, send him to a trainer, when he's ready, work with the trainer.
 
#15 · (Edited)
I'm a little concerned your TRAINER was one of the pushovers!

I will say that it's likely the people who posted (from what I know of them) wouldn't have any problem with my gelding either.

Some horses just need a certain type of home, the OP isn't it for the horse, she should get a more suitable home for him and find a more suitable horse for herself. That isn't the same as the horse being TRULY dangerous and needing a bullet, though unfortunately may be an option if a suitable home can't be found. There are some problems that are not worth trying to fix yourself. The OP would be happier with a different horse and the horse would be happier with different owners. It's very stressful needing to be angry all the time!
 
#14 ·
I've taken on a few of these monsters. It can be done, usually, although I'm sure there are some beyond repair.
It takes military type training where even the smallest infraction needs to be dealt with swiftly but fairly. Timing & reading the horse are key.
The hardest part was training the owners. I've had some doing well & the instant the lead was in the owner's hands the horses went right back to nasty.
Some owners never get it.

I would suggest finding someone who deals with problem horses & have them work with the horse & you. If that person sees that the connection is not being made it would be best to move that horse on.

Another thing I've noticed over the years is some people, no matter what horse they get always end up with the same type of problems, be them big or small problems. Which is why I often have to say, "I can guarantee this horse is trained but I can't guarantee you can handle it."
 
#18 ·
This horse and owner combination sounds like a disaster in the making, and I don't see a good outcome.

As to shooting the horse, well it is a bit blunt, but this is not a horse for a novice or a youngster to be messing with, and it is not always possible for all sorts if reasons to get a trainer involved.

My rank horse I sold with full disclosure of all his issues, but I'm still not sure that euthing him wouldn't of been a better option. There are so many 'nice' horses out there, why do we struggle with those who have major issues? I don't know what happened to my big guy, maybe he turned into a ***** cat, or maybe he put someone else in hospital....
 
#19 ·
If you want to give him a try...

Step 1: Step away from the horse and call the vet.
He needs to be checked for neurological and other health issues (like gastric ulcers) that would make him grumpy.


Step 2:
If A. His eggs are scrambled - put him down.
B. He has health issues - fix them and send him to an experienced trainer.
C. He's neurologically/physically fine - he needs his *** kicked by an experienced trainer.

This is going to be expensive, if you want to save this animal and it may not be successful.
I can tell you under no uncertain term as a trainer AND a mother that you need to stay away from him.

What would *I* do..... have him put down. He doesn't understand his place in the world and that's very confusing for an animal and unfair. Some horses cannot be fixed and it's the kindest thing you can do for them.
 
#20 ·
I'd be a lot more optimistic if the horse was a youngster of 2 or 3, but at 13 his dangerous behaviors have become ingrained.

There simply is no easy and inexpensive fix, and I for one would never truly trust him.

The OP is young, and like all young people believes that happily ever after can be achieved if you just want it and work hard enough. Unfortunately, that isn't the case, especially with rank, dangerous animals.

Sometimes the kindest thing to do for everyone, including the animal, is a quick and merciful death.
 
#21 ·
We took on a pony that charged people. The home he was in wasn't a good match for him

We fixed his issue but it took a lot of work and time.

I didn't have experience with bad horses but I had years of experience with donkeys.

Basically, it was just making the pony toe the line. And showing no fear.... that's the big one IMO They can read fear and in turn that effects their behavior.... for the worse.
 
#28 ·
OP, you and this horse are a very bad combination. I can appreciate that you don't want to get rid of him, but you are in over your head. There MIGHT be a way to fix him...or there might not. Any training fix will present a great deal of danger to the person doing the training. I've had experience with horses that were aggressive and when they come face to face with someone who stands up to them there is usually one of two outcomes: 1) They back down because they were just bluffing in the first place and with consistent firm handling are mostly fixed, or 2) They weren't bluffing and now the trainer is in a fight for their life with a vicious horse 10+ times their size. The problem is you often don't find out which outcome you are facing until the moment you are facing it.....with the horse running at you with teeth bared.

If you want to keep him, you need to find an experienced trainer who is willing to accept him and try to line him out. BUT, as palogal said, this will be expensive with a very sketchy outcome. He might be fixable and he might not....and it may take $2000-$5000 to find out which. Even if he is bluffing and will back down, at his age, whenever he feels pressured or overwhelmed, charging and being aggressive will always be his first reaction and so he will likely never be suitable for anyone less than an expert handler, which you aren't at 15.

You will not be able to honestly sell this horse. Nobody in their right mind would give money for him. You MIGHT find a trainer/horseman/cowboy with experience in training outlaw horses and, if the horse is built well enough and is "pretty" enough, they might take him for free as a project. If you can't find a proper home for him though, the best option for everyone involved (including him) is to have him put down.
 
#29 ·
It's very difficult to give 'safe; advice to anyone on a forum, especially a teenager, when you have no first hand knowledge about their experience level or their facilities.
In a situation like this one the best advice is to say 'get a vet to check the horse over and if anything found is dealt with and the horse is still displaying dangerous behavior then find a good trainer to send it too to be evaluated.
I personally won't give anyone I don't know any different advice than that on how to deal with a horse like this one
I have had some very nasty natured horses over the years that turned out fine. The Irish Draft mare that belonged to the man I worked for was defensive aggressive because she'd been so badly treated she didn't trust people any more, she was a great horse under saddle so worth the effort and she turned into a lovely horse once she regained trust in humans, the stallion I took on was fine once he'd been gelded but had to be sedated for that using a tranquilizer dart shot from a very safe distance. On the other hand a TB mare that had also been in a bad home could be handled but never trusted and we eventually did have her euthanized
Right now there are so many lovely horses going for slaughter because no one wants them you really do have to weight up if trying to rehab. a dangerous horse is worth it
 
#30 ·
I think the one thing we all do agree on is that the OP should not be working with this horse and I have not read a post encouraging her to do so. She would like to see the problem corrected and the horse lead a useful life (I admire that) so it doesn't help her to feel that it's not possible.. The answer, IMO, is for someone with more experience to take over.
 
#31 ·
Relating experiences about dangerous horses that were "fixed" is actually indirectly encouraging this young OP in my opinion. She may not really see that everyone is basically telling her that SHE should not be anywhere near this horse no one except a professional trainer should be. I would be curious to know how she got this horse in the first place and how long she has had him.
 
#34 ·
Horses that come at you with their teeth and punching their front feet are way more dangerous than a horse that kicks.

It takes a very experienced trainer to deal with this and the question should be 'Is it worth it?'

I have had three horses that wanted to kill people or at least do serious damage. I have had several more that offered strong threats but when confronted, backed down.

Not all can be saved and of the three that wanted to kill, one was euthanised as he was totally off his rocker. Not a decision that was taken lightly as he wasn't a cheap horse.

As youngsters we all dreamed that we could turn around the 'bad' horse and ride off into the disstance with the wind blowing through our hair. - in reality it rarely comes true.

No animal is worth risking the safety of a human.
 
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