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Horse Throws Head

1K views 4 replies 4 participants last post by  tinyliny 
#1 ·
Let me start by saying that I have only had one other horse for 14 years until she passed away at 25 yrs of age. I do not board, I keep my horse on my property. I do not know anyone with horses to ask and I am in my opinion still new to horses. I recently adopted a 15 yr old quarter horse gelding (I think he is younger and am waiting for my vet appt to confirm). He weighed only 770 lbs and is 14.3 hh. He originally was owned by a riding stable, then purchased by a woman that ended up gaining too much weigh to ride him, he then went to a woman that loved him but didn't know how to care for him nor was she financially able. Now he is at his forever home with me. He is extremely food driven and has gained to 835 lbs. When I put a halter on him and lead rope he continuously throws his head up and into me. Stands fine with his feet on the ground but throws his head. I worked with him at feedings not to bump me and respect my space until I move away from the hay. He is doing great now respecting that space. My other horse never threw her head around so I am unsure how to stop this behavior. I do in a firm voice say no, not yell but firm. I don't want him to be head shy so I am not sure if I should be touching his head while saying no. I don't have a round pen just pasture and barn to work with him. I have never lunged so I don't know if that is a place to start, if so what is a good source to research and teach myself? Sorry this was so long, just wanted to give you some history. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
 
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#2 ·
Is he throwing his head into you just when actively doing something with his head, or just when ever you are near? Can you lead and brush him quietly? How about handling his head without a halter or anything? Can you handle his ears?

I would hold my fist/elbow up and let him run into it with his face. It's not going to hurt him, and he won't become headshy from fair discipline. Or you can wave your hand or a short crop in the space between the two of you. If he stays in his space nothing happens, but when he tries to cross the line he gets hit.
 
#3 ·
I does great being lead no issues. I have no problem brushing him without a halter or putting on his fly mask. He does it when he is expected to stand for the farrier, the vet and putting a bridle on. He stands well for the farrier just keeps throwing his head around and into me. I think it is just defiance, he doesn't want to stand, there is something else he would rather be doing.
 
#4 ·
That sounds like a matter of disrespect. I've fixed it a few different ways, what worked best for me was popping him when he bumped me. I don't mean beating him, just the moment he went to head bump me, I popped him, just like another horse would do if he did something wrong. I think they say you have a bout 3 seconds to react if you are going with that method so it has to be quick.

The Clinton Anderson ground work also works really well in gaining respect. As a riding school horse and then what sounds like a very spoiled pet before you got him, he is sure to have gotten away with it for a long time. If you are consistent then it won't take long to fix. (I should say - shouldn't take long).

I guess I should caveat this with my 32 year old has been bopping me in the face for 28 years.... :)
 
#5 ·
has he had his teeth looked at by a good dental vet? if he has a lot of rough edges and hooks on his teeth, then wearing a halter will put pressure against the side of his jaw and pinch his cheek between the halter and the rough teeth.

I suspect it is pure attitude and defiance/anxiety, however, mouth pain is not visible at all, yet can be the source of some very bad behavior on the part of the hrose.
 
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