I have a two year old with about 20 saddles. I am starting him myself. He is really smart and is coming along really soft and supple. Bending and flexing really cute and willing. I have had him 2 months. He was imprinted and pretty much just petted for his first two years of his life. The previous owner basically let him walk all over her. My problem is just that. I have done enough ground work with him that I have earned a lot more respect, but he still thinks he is top dog. He kicks at other horses (never at people so far) that walk behind him when he’s tied up.
I want to start hauling him just for the experience of getting to go and be tied to the trailer at barrel races, etc., but I am afraid of him kicking at someone on horseback walking by. I know we have got to figure how to cure this quick.
Also, he has bitten me twice, really bad and quick, not just a curious
baby nibble…. I need some advice on a way to knock his attitude down the food chain safely without losing his confidence and trust. I thought about turning him out with a group of older more dominate horses to see if that will humiliate him some. Other that his dominance issue, he is really neat, smart colt. He just thinks I am still his friend instead of his leader….even though we have come a long way in 2 months, in the back of his mind you can tell he has not fully excepted submission. I am not a “beater”, but I do get after this one pretty hard when I have to and make him work alot, but he doesn’t seem to care. Any advice will be great.
Thanks!!
P.S. Through this experience I prefer working with a colt who is scared and never been messed with rather than one who has had nothing but lovin.
If you’re not familiar with the Parelli 7 Games then you should go to his website and check it out. You have a horse that is out of control and you need to gain his complete respect before you even think about trying to haul him around where there are other people and animals that you could be putting at risk.
Martha Wright
