My 4 y/o tb had little experience in the crossties when I bought him. He wasn't ever at the track; raised as a pet. He's used to getting his own way about everything. He has the attention span of a gnat; he knows how to stand tied, and he's good for the first couple of minutes, but after that he spends half of his time dancing sideways, pawing, or tossing his head.
I discourage him when he does these things, but I feel like he doesn't enjoy grooming at all, and it makes me want to rush through it just so that he doesn't go insane.
The only time he stops is when I stop to scratch his withers; he loves that.
Should I be doing anything to make him stand better, and make it a more enjoyable experience?
I've tried taking things slower, but then it seems like his behaviour just escalates. He gets really bored, and then starts doing things like chewing on everything nearby, and digging at the ground.
I don't think its because he's afraid; he isn't generally a fearful horse and he never shows any signs of fear. Overall he's really pushy, we're basically redoing all of his ground manners before we get him back under saddle.
Just noticed that the title should say 'in' the crossties... I'm so clever
I discourage him when he does these things, but I feel like he doesn't enjoy grooming at all, and it makes me want to rush through it just so that he doesn't go insane.
The only time he stops is when I stop to scratch his withers; he loves that.
Should I be doing anything to make him stand better, and make it a more enjoyable experience?
I've tried taking things slower, but then it seems like his behaviour just escalates. He gets really bored, and then starts doing things like chewing on everything nearby, and digging at the ground.
I don't think its because he's afraid; he isn't generally a fearful horse and he never shows any signs of fear. Overall he's really pushy, we're basically redoing all of his ground manners before we get him back under saddle.
Just noticed that the title should say 'in' the crossties... I'm so clever