My horse has always had some respect issues, mostly on the ground. I'm pretty sure he knows how he is supposed to act, because when I looked at him he was very quiet and obedient. My issue is just how I'm supposed to enforce the rules.
His lastest prank, kicking, has made me decide it is time to work on groundwork and respect. I was fingerpainting him with horse paint for a parade, and he did not want to stand still...I don't think he liked the paint, but he could've been plain antsy too. Anyway, he was scooting around while tied, and he was getting in my space, so I smacked him and made him back away. Then, within a second, he turned his hindquarters to me and kicked me to the ground. I'm not sure if his hoof even got me, as nothing hurts except my tailbone, which I landed on. It really freaked out my mom and me too. He has threatened to kick before and tried to, usually when I try to shoo him away or when I'm trying to get him to speed up on the lunge line. He kicked my dad once too, a year or so back. I thought he had grown out of this, but it's coming back again.
He also trys to rush ahead when I'm leading him and does not care where he puts his feet. I have been knocked over twice because he's been startled and jumps into me. I can't get him to slow down when I lead him, even when I bump him with my elbow or try to stop him and back him. He won't stop with me. He also has problems loading in the trailer - he balks until we get the lunge whip out. He respects that more than me unfortunately.
My riding is fair, but Rusty is my first horse and isn't the most obedient. What are some exercises I can do with him and how can I break this kicking habit before I or someone else gets seriously hurt?
Thanks.
His lastest prank, kicking, has made me decide it is time to work on groundwork and respect. I was fingerpainting him with horse paint for a parade, and he did not want to stand still...I don't think he liked the paint, but he could've been plain antsy too. Anyway, he was scooting around while tied, and he was getting in my space, so I smacked him and made him back away. Then, within a second, he turned his hindquarters to me and kicked me to the ground. I'm not sure if his hoof even got me, as nothing hurts except my tailbone, which I landed on. It really freaked out my mom and me too. He has threatened to kick before and tried to, usually when I try to shoo him away or when I'm trying to get him to speed up on the lunge line. He kicked my dad once too, a year or so back. I thought he had grown out of this, but it's coming back again.
He also trys to rush ahead when I'm leading him and does not care where he puts his feet. I have been knocked over twice because he's been startled and jumps into me. I can't get him to slow down when I lead him, even when I bump him with my elbow or try to stop him and back him. He won't stop with me. He also has problems loading in the trailer - he balks until we get the lunge whip out. He respects that more than me unfortunately.
My riding is fair, but Rusty is my first horse and isn't the most obedient. What are some exercises I can do with him and how can I break this kicking habit before I or someone else gets seriously hurt?
Thanks.