Not standing on crossties/Dislikes grooming?

I'm going to jump in and say that whatever works for you is just fine - if it works. While I've done (and would do again if necessary) is to discipline a horse that is acting up on cross ties or to my trailer. Sometimes that will be a knee in the ribs if I'm close or it may be some "thinking" time if I'm not.

We can not do to our horses anywhere near what other horses can do to them unless we let our tempers get in the way. I never kick my horses in the legs but I will put a knee in their barrel. It works and is not abuse - it is what they understand.

I think it is funny when the same people that post things like "how can I bond with my poneh" and "My horse wont go" can't help but critizise those that choose to use methods that are not all rainbows and butterflies. Perhaps if these people would look around and see those people around them that have horses that don't rear or bolt or buck and see how they ride and train thier horses they may learn something.

This post was not directed at any one person and if it doesn't apply to you then no offense is meant.

Unless you jump into it like some sort of ninja, you are NOT going to hurt that horse with a knee to the ribs. It cannot gather that much momentum in a short distance. Hold out your hand, make a fist with the other. Hit your open hand with the fist about 2in from it. Then from about a foot away, using the same amount of general force. Which one hurts more? :P

If Thunder doesn't stand to be groomed(which he usually does), I'll pop him in the chest to get him to keep from going forward.

If our horses get a bit impatient we usually give them a leaf of hay or a bucket of feed to keep them amused until we're done with the grooming process

Now .... what do you think you just taught your horse?

But what are you teaching it by smacking (kneeing - whatever) if they don't STAND STILL. I am not talking about pawing or jerking, kicking etc. I am saying STANDING still. They don't stand - you knee them. They respond to pressure and move - correct?????

i see your point but it works for us and that's only when they get impatient, they usually stand quite well but they have their days. And I think the grooming process should be something it should enjoy having something to nibble improves the process.

I'm sorry - perhaps you didn't understand my question - I asked how many - as in a number.

I will offer that I have trained 10 ~ 15 a year between the boarders, breeders and clients that I work for. Starting from scratch or fixing issues. Just sold one of my home grown colts to a guy from Texas on Sunday. Called the horse a mannerly teddy bear . . .

There is a difference between a jab and pressure, as in what you do on a lead line or a leg given as a cure for a turn. A jab in the barrel is quick, immediate, and an eye opener. What it isn't is pressure - you are not holding your knee there, which would be pressure.

A quick yank on a lead line is much different from steady pressure and sends a different message to your horse.

As for feeding your horse for bad behavior ... if it works for you then that is OK but personally, I would never - ever recommend it to anyone. It is giving a horse a reward for unwanted behavior.

I wouldn't really class it as bad behaviour