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Starting off on the right foot, rescue horse

791 views 6 replies 4 participants last post by  Sarah2910 
#1 ·
I have an 11 year old QH gelding that is a rescue horse. He is now a 2 on the BSC. He came in as a 1. He's starting to get sound and is now rocketing around when turned out, feet kicking out, tail flagged and playing (of course, his endurance is next to nothing, but he's at least got the energy to play). He's spent the last couple of years bullying his owners and being completely stubborn. He's been fairly easy to handle so far, he's shown a few stubborn moments but has gotten over it pretty quick. Mostly just stopping and locking up his feet. New attitude is starting to come out and I need some suggestions to start using on him. I DO NOT want to start working him and using precious calories that he desperately needs to gain weight. And, he's not 100% sound yet (VERY infected frogs and crooked feet) so lunging, moving feet til he gives, things like that are NOT an option for him yet. I did put a rope halter on him last night cause in a nylon halter he tries to drag you everywhere. He's also trying to avoid being caught when its time to come in (unless he's been out for a long time). I did start clicker training but haven't been really dedicated to it. He's ready to move on to targeting, we worked on moving his head away for treats and he got it really fast.
Last night he locked up on me again and when I got after him he pinned his ears so I REALLY got after him, snapped his lead and made him back up two steps. That helped and he didn't lock up again, but then, as we stepped out of the arena he tried to drag me off to the grass. He's a very lazy "whats in it for me" type of horse.
 
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#2 ·
For me your key words are; He's spent the last couple of years bullying his owners and being completely stubborn. Therefore I suggest you continue with the foundation of ground training; it sounds like you already have ie: you backed him up a few steps that as you know is one of the exercises but there are a lot more because you will need to control his; head, neck, shoulder, rib cage and hind. Normally I start with the backing, forward, hind, rib cage and shoulder. Because he is 11 years old he is really a mature horse mentally so work slowly, be consistent and patient...Good luck
 
#3 ·
I love the fact you took on a rescue horse, especially one in that bad of condition( not many people would do that) I do agree with you backing him up and clciker training(Does it work? I've never used it on mine!)
If he pulls you around you can always put a chain around his nose. Don't jerk or anything unless he really pulls you around. That way when he wants to pull you, he'll run into the chain.
As for him being hard to catch, I've always gone out in the pasture with a bucket of grain and a crop hidden(in case of problems). But then after they take a few bites, I'd leave, do chores then come back 15 minutes later and do it again. That way the horse will start associating you with a good thought and want to be near you. After awhile, I'd take out grain every other time then none at all.
That's what I've found to work, I hope it helps a little!! Good luck with him!!
 
#4 ·
Yes kudos to you for taking on such an emaciated animal and bringing him back to health. As you have found out the healthier he gets the fresher he is getting. I understand not wanting to burn precious calories. Definitely stay with the rope halter it will give you the leverage you need to stop him pulling you. Since you don't want to use to many calories and you need to gain his respect I would start backing him up every where you go. Start with a few steps at at a time, reward him by releasing the pressure then a few more steps. He does not have to go fast backwards but I would expect a bit of energy you don't want to feel like your pushing him he needs to back lightly with energy. Backing will get him respecting you as he is having to move out of your space, and he will be less likely to lock up his feet, and if he does you can apply pressure to his front end making it uncomfortable for him not to keep going. As a bonus it will really help strengthen his hind end. When you walk him forward and he refuses turn him around and back him a good ways then turn him around and ask for forward. He will realize it is easier to go forward. You can also get him yielding his hind quarters, yielding his front end, moving off of pressure all things he can do without burning a lot of energy, those things require more brain power, and still teaches him you can control his feet. Once he respects you more the catching problem will fix itself. Right now he is feeling better and seeing what he can get away with.
 
#5 ·
I don't want to carry grain cause I'll end up getting mugged. But, that gives me an idea about clicker training and catching... He really picked up on clicker training fast. The first lesson you teach them is to turn their head AWAY from you for a treat. He got that quick. It makes them consciously make a decision to do something. I've done target touching twice and he's very curious about it and VERY food motivated (even when in shape, he's food motivated, like most lol)

I've known this horse for years, and I was floored at his condition. He's a big foundation QH, and he was a walking skeleton when he came in, barely on his feet. I'm so glad I have the opportunity to bring him back and make him into the horse he is meant to be.
 
#6 ·
that's a good idea about backing and gives me a good jumping off point. Thanks :) Definitely sticking with the rope halter with him, he's been allowed to do whatever for way too long and it sure shows. Thankfully some of that foundation is still there, I just have to find it and remind him that he DOES know how to act and the stubbornness is NOT the answer. I may have to start the backing inhand before he gives me attitude about it, so we may be doing some clicker training and then backing in the round pen.

Thanks for all of the suggestions, that helps :)
 
#7 ·
Well, had a big update typed out and it disappeared on me...

Worked more on clicker training with him this weekend. Started asking him to come in to me using the treats and clicker and he really started picking it up. Also increased the challenges with the clicker training, this next step is target touching. He eventually got it and was deliberately reaching out with his nose to touch the target. I think I need a better target tho, I was using my training stick and asked him to touch the end with his nose. He did get it, but I think I need to give him something to touch that is a little more obvious. He's smart, and this stubbornness and laziness is how he's figured out how to get out of work. I'm going to have to browse you tube for my next step after target touching. I know part of it is increasing the challenges of target touching, and I know that I have to start dedicating myself to doing this with him every time I'm there. I want to do things with him (for now) that require him to think, but not use any calories. I see improvement in him every day, and it amazes me how much better he looks in the 2 months since he was taken from his former owners. Yet, on the other hand it amazes me that he has gained 200 pounds and yet he's STILL so skinny. I want to blink and have him better now...
 
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