8 yr Gelding that is really nasty in the pasture.?

Question

I know that a lot people believe that the pasture is a horses turf. I believe that a horse should not disrespect their owner, even in their own pasture. My gelding is an appaloosa. He is a real sweetheart...once you have that Halter and lead rope on him. Otherwise beware. I am not scared of him and I am able to catch him fairly easily...sometimes he teams up with my app. mare and the like to play a game of chase me...she taught him that one whenever she thinks she is going in for anything other then food. I am able to walk up to my mare anytime of the day give her hugs, kisses, I can even groom and bath her without any sort of restaint on her...if I have to make her move I just tug her forelock a little, let go and she follows me like a puppy dog. I realize this might be somewhat imposssible for him to be that nice. But I need some tips on how I can possibly make him a little nicer...I deff think positive reenforcment is the way to go. I just need some tips. Please and Thanks

Answer 1

What I do with the young horses that we pasture together and they make the attempt to run off. I will smooch and slap my leg while walking towards them. Since I knew they were going to run off anyways, it now became my idea to make their feet move.

When I get them going, I'll go back to the gate(where I always keep a lunge whip) and make them move for 5-10 minutes. When they get tired I let them rest and then try walking up to them. If they still want to run- that whip is up and it's still my idea. Pretty soon they think that running from me is WORK and not a GAME.

When they do finally come up to me they get petted and scratched. Then ones that I need brought in most of the time follow me to the gate to get haltered.

Also a bit of advice. I would stray from treats. You do not want to associate yourself with food. Otherwise they may become aggressive towards you in a search for treats when you have none on you.

Answer 2

yeah what silvaspur said. it works.

Answer 3

anytime he does something you want, praise him. over excessively too. any little thing that he needs to learn, just praise him. my horse, he cant canter on the right lead. he did it one time and i praised him for probably two minutes just scratching him and saying goooood boy! he loved that and the next few times he did it! well i didnt ride him for 2 months so now we are re-training. so train every day and just PRAISE HIM! trust me, he will like it. If he doesnt run away from you in the pasture, tell him good boy. hope to have helped ((:

Answer 4

Well I had a problem like this with one of my horses. . .this is what I did..spend a much time as possible with him. . get in the pasture with him and bring his favorite treats such as oats, an apple, sugar cube, ect. . . just sit in the pasture under a tree or something and pick up a book, just to spend more time around him. . .he does notice this. . .and it will pay off. . do little things like pet him and use a soft, reassuring voice they love this. . . hope this helps