How do I get my horse to cross tie/stand in the wash stall?

Question

My horse will not cross tie in any wash stall, and he won't turn around/back in to the outdoor wash stall. We also need him to be able to back into the indoor wash stall, so that we know he'll be able to load onto a trailer. Any tips?

Answer 1

Good advice so far, i would also try having his favorite snack or treat readily available where you are trying to get him to go. Have some of the treat in the trailer to get him to go towards it at his own pace. Horses can be curious too and sometimes if you just let them check things out for themselves they will be a little more at ease.

Answer 2

Does your horse cross-tie any where else? Do you just have problems in the wash stalls? Why would you need to back him to load him on a trailer? I can't really help without a few details, but if he only has problems with the wash stalls, I would say work with him outside, unconfined, with just a hose, until he isn't bothered by the water. Usually it's best to do when he is hot. Start with his front feet, and slowly move upwards to his shoulder. Once you can run the hose all over him without him getting upset, move into the wash stall, but don't tie him yet. Start over with just the hose, until he's comfortable with water in the wash stall. Then try the cross ties again.

If he doesn't like to be cross-tied anywhere, work with him by tying him for a few minutes, until he starts to get uncomfortable, and then untie him, and take him out. Eventually, he will get more comfortable with being tied, and he will stand longer before he gets upset.

To teach him to back into an enclosed space, start with a couple rails on the ground. Back him up in between them. When he gets good at this, try backing him up in between a couple of sawhorses, or if you have a fence alley, that will work, too. Then you can move on to backing him into large doorways. If it really upsets him, praise him for any backward movement, even if it's only one foot. If you are gentle, but persistant, he will eventually be more willing to back anywhere for you. Just remember to praise him for any willingness to do what you are asking him to do. Backing into an enclosed space is very scary for a horse. Not only do they not like to be closed in, but they cannot see what is directly behind them. He will need to trust you completely. If you are mean to him, or try to force him, he will not see you as trustworthy.

Answer 3

Take it in small steps. Take a few days to get him into it.

First time, if he at least checks it out a little, give him a treat and be done for a little while, take him back to his stall or whatever.

Second time, see if he'll at least line up to back into it. If he stands still at all, give him a treat and be done for a bit.

Third time, try to get him to back up a step or two. Give him a treat each time he steps back.

Just keep going until he stands in there for a minute, and gradually work up to longer periods of time. When he can stand for a few minutes in the crossties, you can start hosing down his legs to get him used to what's going to happen to him once he's in there.

Answer 4

You horse sounds like he has fear and/or respect issues, needs some training.  If you are unable to accomplish this , find some help.  Also, I would teach him to ground tie or stand tied by his lead.  I would never ever put a horse in cross ties.  You will need to teach your horse to back into a space.  Remember, a horse's number one instinct is survival.  When you ask him to back, he thinks he is stepping off the edge of the world and is going to die.  Understanding his point of view will go a long way in helping him get past his fears.  I recently saw a woman grab her horse and snatch his face and scream "why are you acting like this - you have more training than that".  She's an idiot.  She has had horses (unfortunately) for over 10 years and doesn't have a clue of understanding as to how horses think, react, relate, communicate, and understand.  It's so sad but I see it all the time.  So, take the time it takes to help your horse.  He can accomplish anything that a horse can do if you ask him correctly and give him time to learn that he can trust you and respect you and that you are not going to hurt him.  good luck.

Answer 5

If he has a stall, start there.  Don't allow him to go in unless you can stand aside, guide his lead at the stall door, and have him walk in, turn to face you and allow you to remove his halter.  You need a long enough lead to allow him all the way in, and to turn around while you are still holding the lead (10 feet is a good length). It works best if his feed is in there awaiting him (motivation).

Next, do the same method to go through a gate.  Then do it to send him into the wash stall.  It is essential that you plant yourself and any moving around is done by him...you just keep bringing him back and directing him where you want him to go.  It also works best using a rope halter and lead with no metal connections...just a rope loop.

Practice the same method to send him into a trailer...again, plant yourself and direct him in.  It takes patience, and stay quiet.  Let him be the unglued one.

these teach him to go into a trailer, wash stall, etc when you point him there with his lead.  I also suggest teaching him to ground tie so you don't need crossties.