Horse’s learn by patterns also; two or three repetitions is enough to create a pattern, be it a positive one or a negative one, so think about what it is you do with your horse when you catch him. If he recognizes that every time you catch him he gets ridden around and around in an arena, or it’s time for the farrier or dentist, pretty soon he’ll see you coming and high tail it out of there. However, if his time with you is fun, provocative and interesting, before you know it he’ll start meeting you at the gate!
Un-demanding time with your horse will pay big dividends. In other words, try to not just be catching your horse when you want to do something with him. Help him look forward to your visits.
Remember, horses tend to approach things then retreat a little and this method can work for you too. Try going out into the paddock and take just a carrot with you. Approach your horse; give him the carrot, and leave. Next day do the same, plus add in a little rub. Do this for a day or two then perhaps take your brush also and, after you give him the carrot, brush him down. Repeat this for a few days and then take your halter with you. This time, do everything the same, then put the halter on, rub him, take the halter off and leave. If you can take the time to do this and not just catch your horse when you want to do something with him, pretty soon he’ll be happy to be caught. You are creating a positive pattern around your approach.
Try to hang out with your horse as much as you can, just like other horses do. Take a book, a cup of tea or a cool drink out there and sit with him while he grazes. And make sure he has some fun with you when you play. It won’t be long and he’ll see you as the best thing in his day.
... But He’s A Real Problem To Catch!
If so, the same principles apply. Try starting in a smaller area and just hang out with him for a while. When you do approach him, just follow him if he leaves you. Make sure you stop when he does; comfort and discomfort are important here. Approach him gradually but try not to sneak around him.
When you approach him and get close enough to touch him, let him be the one to come to you. Rather than be in a hurry to get a hand on him, let him be the first to make contact with a sniff or even just a brush past of a whisker. This is his way of making a small connection with you and recognizing you. If you can be patient and do things on his terms and at his pace, you’ll build rapport very quickly and pretty soon his touches will become more definite and positive.
If your horse is really hard to catch, remove his water trough and you be the one to bring him water throughout the day. It won’t take too many days and he’ll see you as very comfortable indeed!
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Lesson 2, Chapter 3:
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- By Meredith Ransley, Quantum Savvy.