In the summer time I slowly work him up to about four to four and a half hours (twice a day) being out in the field. Making sure he doesn't get too much Spring grass. Right now though, it's just a snack, and a time away from his little barn. There's a problem though, he doesn't want to stay out there for more then 30 minutes. He doesn't like being out there by himself. I have a crazy horse- he gets to go out in a field with tons of grass, with no other animals to bug him or eat the grass before he can- and he wants to go back up to his yard. (Where he can see the goats.) He is actually not that far from the house at all. You can totally see it! We have a farther field and I have tried putting him out there and he doesn't like that at all. But, he does like being closer where he can see the house. Normally he likes to go out and graze but he goes in spurts where he doesn't.
He is all happy to go out there, then 30 to 40 minutes later is is running up and down the fence line.
Here is his view, from where I have him now.
He's simply barn sour. Annabelle the OTTB at our barn was-and still is lol-the same way, Red was the same way, it's typical horsey nature! Here are some ideas:
ReplyDeleteWalk your horse away from the barn on a daily basis. Even if you don't intend to ride, take him for a walk around the property and give him positive experiences away from the barn.
Carry a short crop or bat with you when you ride a barn sour horse. When he attempts to turn back toward the barn against your command, give him a smart tap on the shoulder. This redirects his attention toward you and reminds him that he is exhibiting negative behavior.
Take your horse on long trail rides that venture far away from the barn. This is a great exercise when cooling out after a long ride, and demonstrates that you are serious about leaving the barn behind.
Feed the barn sour horse outside his stall, such as in a paddock or out in the yard. If eating is the reason your horse wants to return to the barn, this should break the habit quickly.
Thanks so much Kalin! That really helped. I will definitely try some of those things. = )
DeleteAlso, make sure not to let him rush back to the barn. When he get's there, don't let him rest right away. Walk him back and forth around the barn area. That will show him that going back to the barn doesn't mean the work is done yet.
DeleteYa.....ok, thanks! That's a great idea. He has a tendency to want to trot back to the barn. I have him walk and make sure he knows that I am the leader/boss.
DeleteWith a barn-sore horse you work him hard at the barn like lunging him or after a ride do lots of lead changing backing up, things like that, then tie him up in the pasture and pretty soon he'll learn that the rest is in the pasture and not at the barn. Here's a link that can explain it better. http://downunderhorsemanship.com/Blog/post/2012/07/31/Training-Tip-of-the-Week-Sweeten-up-your-arena-sour-horse.aspx
ReplyDeleteThank you very much Ashley! The next time it's sunny, and somewhat dry outside, I am defiantly going to work with him.
DeleteThank you all for your help and the suggestions. I am defiantly going to be trying some of them. = )
ReplyDelete