Martha,

I appreciate the opportunity to ask you for some advice. Currently, I have an 8yo QH Gelding. I have been working for the past two years. I had wanted to take our time and not pressure him and see what he had to offer. He was not broke when I bought him, but now has a great handle (basics included). Unfortunately, that handle seizes so exist when he is asked to leave his “friends.” He loses his focus and doesn’t want to leave them or have them out of his sight.

If you keep this horse with other horses at home, then the first thing I would do is separate him into a pen by himself. He needs to be able to see them but not “be with them”. I would also continue to tie him up and teach him to stand, not only away from home but at home also. It might be a good idea to haul him by himself for a while until he learns that you are his support system and not his buddies. And be sure that you spend a lot of time doing slow work with him, especially away from home since that is where he seems to stress the most. I’m sure that a lot of his nervousness and worry is because he is unsure and confused in new surroundings and situations. He must learn to trust your lead so be very consistent in his training.
Martha Wright

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