Slightly nervous 4 1/2 yr old gelding. What should I do to help him?

Question

Hi there,

I just got a new baby gelding. He's not a baby-baby, but he is only 4 1/2 and began his training late. He was neglected once his first owners found out they couldn't race him. He was rescued and then sold again about a year and a half ago. During that time he has learned a lot, but he hasn't had time to get used to everything very well.

For example, he HATES spray bottles no matter where they are. Hoses make him nervous. He doesn't understand when I want him to pick up his feet either.

I've had horses before, but he's my first baby project.

I have a trainer and she is helping me, but she's been busy lately so I thought I would ask other people for their insight and thoughts/suggestions.

Please help me! I want his life to be as good as possible without stressing him out.

Thank you SO much!!!

-Sleepy Panda

Answer 1

hey there,

i had a young mare once that hated getting fly spray and in order to break her from it was i gave her baths and from the water coming out of the hose she doesn't mind getting sprayed anymore and loves baths! =]

When we had horses that wouldn't pick up their feet we'd just take our foot and put some pressure right along to above the hoof line, cornea band, and they come right up.

idk if this will help you but sure hope it does!

=]

take care and good luck!

Answer 2

Babies are so hard to keep your cool with, but that's pretty much the key. Introduce him to the things he doesnt like, or to new things, in a way that is not stressful for him. Put yourself in his shoes for a second. You'd probably get in a tither if someone started squirting you with fly spray.

Most importantly, show him that you're not going to hurt him. This sounds totally cheesy, but its the truth. Make a bond with him. Arabs are especially good horses to bond with, because they really stick to one person.

If he's bad, be firm and disciplinary, but never be mean or give him a reason not to trust you. If he trusts you, he'll have an easier time getting over fears.

And, to not stress him out, don't overload him with new things. Switch it up every few minutes or every training session, so his baby-brain won't get irritated.

Answer 3

Let your horse sniff the stuff before u go trying to put it on him or squirt him or wash him with a hose let him smell it. i kno it sounds crazy but u will get farther than not leting him smell it.

Answer 4

This is about making allowances. Instead of spray,wipe on with a cloth, have treats on you at all times. Forcing him will encourage fear. Kindness and patience will make a new horse

Answer 5

Well I adopted a wild mustang a few years ago cuz I thought I needed a "project."  Couldn't even touch him at first and of course he was scared of everything.  The key is to be patient, take it slow, and just expose him to as much as possible.  I found that my horse would get really nervous if I cooed at him and told him what a good boy he was and that kind of stuff.  He did a lot better if I just did things confidently and kept going about my daily routine, not fussing and p***y-footing around him.  He'll find confidence in YOUR confidence.  So just be patient.  And have fun.  I'm sure it will be a very rewarding experience!

Answer 6

honestly, you just need to expose him to things.  if you stay relaxed, he should stay relaxed  just get to see more things.

for the hose, just put it out somewhere open, but enclosed (sorry, confusing, like in an area that's open but has fences around it) and lead him around it, over it, near it whatever you can.  if he starts to get stressed go back to something he can do, do it well and be done.

you ALWAYS have to end on a good note with the young ones (and the old ones..)

for the spray bottles just rub them all over him, and then put warm water (safe and un offensive) in one and start just spraying his legs.. if hes relaxed continue up his body. i would go from the leg to the shoulder, to the barrel and then then rump.  save the neck and head (and under his belly) for when he understands better.  once hes cool with the warm water, try cold water, (no pun intended) and then move on the fly spray (I'm sure that's what you want to use..)  but for the time being you could try the rub on fly sprays so that he isn't eaten alive.

sorry, i don't have any tips for his feet except to keep doing it.

and remember, ALWAYS end on a good note!

and you need to be relaxed in order for him to be relaxed [=

good luck!

Answer 7

Most of the problems will take time to work out.  Spray bottles usually make noise that scares them.  Find a quiet spray bottle and put water in it to get him used to that, then fill it with fly spray.  Picking up the feet is always fun.  Start off holding the foot for a second or two and put it down lettting him know he doesn't have to stay like that. When he starts letting you move up how long you hold it up but make sure you put the leg down, not him.

Answer 8

take him to psychologyst

Answer 9

get him used to people and other horses and just work with him as much as possable get him to trust you and try greeting him with a bucket of oats or grain when ever you see him