Honestly how good is this guy!! he's prob got to be the most easiest person to watch and learn from - does everything so clear and basic and keeps everything simple - doesnt over complicate anything like half the so called trainers over here in the UK! Well Done!! this clip may have just saved my life with my nasty super heavey weight cob who does exactly the same and has a bad attitude! thank you!
Virtually every day of my working life, I get thanked for this Pod Cast where people have finally fixed their out of control horses. Twice yesterday in fact and that is just in my immediate vicinity. That equals probable saving of horses lives and that makes me happy. The ultimate horse welfare. Merry Christmas
Just a few words to thank you. I check you out whenever possible cause I find your advice very positive. I'm a 44 yro horse lover from Madrid, brought up in Kent (boarding school)riding since 4yro, 6 yrs ago decided to start buying my own and now have 4 horses. I have them in semi-liberty in the Gredos mountain range(200 km Southwest of Madrid)in the tiny village my mom is from. I have tamed 4 horses in the passed 2 yrs and a lot has come from you. I find you original and practical, THANKS.
I like this method. Not only is he saving the horses life but he is potentially saving a human's life in the process. Horses are strong and powerful animals and I think that some people forget that. This horse is gorgeous and I'd like to take him over some jumps! lol.
Thanks so much for making this information available and FREE. I have miniature horses and shetlands, these little guys are so dominant. You have to treat them firmly and get them to respect your space, but try telling someone else that ! On another topic, I bought a new horse float the other day as a result of reading your article on floats and realising that the one I had was a potential death trap. That trailer has now been converted for general use, no more animals in it !
Here's another danger of feed aggression (and small doorways). I was 15 the long-ago summer when my dad bought our Morgan/quarterhorse mix Rex, and horse-keeping was new to all of us, but it was going pretty well I think. I was riding him in the pasture one afternoon, a nice pleasant ride that I felt we were both enjoying, when Rex noticed Dad approaching the barn from another direction, and carrying a small canister. Suddenly Rex bolted for the barn at a gallop, and totally ignored my efforts to stop him. I realized that he probably thought Dad was bringing him some molasses feed, which he loved. The bridle was suddenly useless, though usually it only took the lightest of touches to neck rein him. As we sped faster and faster towards the narrow one horse width barn door (it was so narrow we always walked him out and saddled him up outside) and were almost at the entryway, I realized that there was very little clearance for either my upper body or legs or knees or feet or stirrups, and I pulled my legs up out of the stirrups and leaned forward over his neck so that I wouldn't hit my head and could hopefully protect my legs by stretching them out against him and being as flat as possible. A split-second later we tore through the doorway and battered the stirrups only, and Rex skidded up fast at his feed box, which wasn't even full. Dad had been carrying a coffee can full of nuts and bolts into the storage area of the barn, not a scoop of feed, and had already left. I felt that I was lucky to be alive and still all in one piece. Rex was fine, just snorting in his box and pretty annoyed that it was empty. I don't think he would have noticed if he had left me injured or dead in the doorway. After all, he thought it was snacktime! Just goes to show that things can change in a flash and a close call can happen when you least expect it.
Bravo... thank you... I've just realized...this is exactly where my horse lost respect for me! This is where it began to go wrong..from day one. He was able to intimidate me, that is how the relationship continued. I loved him so much so I foolishly tried over and over to talk him into respect so I began to accomidate his behavior, instead of making him respect me. 3 months in a wheel chair and 2 years of hell!! I've learned alot from your videos. I have learned to gain respect!!.
Thanks freisiangirl. It is difficult indeed to answer such challenges on the Internet which is why most Professionals do not stick their necks out and try to educate. You do meet set up opportunities of people with vested interests. I know I ruffle a few feathers in my pursuit of 'animal welfare' but that's life :)
He broke in really well. We recommended his owner get once a wk lessons due to his extreme intelligence and A.D.D. She didn't. He eventually came back 6 weeks later, in complete turmoil through confusion.
I definitely agree with your way of handling this horse, I tried it on my filly, who for the most part is very gentle, but at feeding time wants to be all in my space and such. I didn't have to spank her or anything, but just watching these video has given me knowledge on how to gain respect and she does respect me even more now that I show her who is boss at feeding time. Thanks mate, Joe.
This word "Thankyou" doesnt convey to you how eternally grateful i am for this website. Somehow i stumbled across it this morning after a sleepless night of worry and sadness.
I live in NewZealand and i have been trying to find someone here to help me with my very alpha mare... it has proved to be incredibly difficult and last night she lounged at me again over her food...
Awesome work, John! I am an off the track Thoroughbred retrainer and it's nice to see someone who doesn't 'pussyfoot' around with moody horses. Love your work you are a brilliant horseman! -Katie
I got my mare because of this problem. She wouldn't even let me in the field with the grain bucket without her stomping at the gate. I had to drive her away with a driving whip,i would make her wait. Once she understood that she isn't going to eat until she setttles she got better. She had a few homes. I was able to talk to the original owner. He said he use to dump the grain and run.She is the best little mare at feeding time. I 100% agree with you.
This reminds me of how they have to rehabilitate dogs that are food aggressive. They are also dangerous, though not like a horse. The pack leader always has say over food, whether a horse or a dog. The human must be the pack leader and to not be the pack leader is to have an animal that walks all over you and, disrespects you. This is pretty cool and thanks for sharing this type of advice free. Safety is paramount! It's a shame uneducated bleeding hearts just don't get it!
Thanks elliemay. I devote my life to the Leaner/novice people in the Industry and so I do not have time to be "Oh so poetic" to impress the masses with words like "response mechanisms" :) This video as saved hundreds of people and their complete association with their Horses. I get the emails every week. Of course, one doesn't have to go about such horses so quickly but this was a particularly out of control horse with a high intelligence profile. He had A.D.D. as in Human form. Thanks and rega
He went home on day 8 and I had accidentally broken him in and ridden him twice around the District as a perfect boy. His Mummy is still waiting for him to change back :) Thanks
Thank you for this valuable video. People who do not own stockwhips are unaware of how they actually work. It's not the tiny little "lick" on the horses butt that moves his feet, it's the sound of the whip cracking and the human's intent behind it. This is proper training, and an excellent video. I own three stockwhips. I have used them to chase off bears who were eating our beehives, and coyotes intent on killing my pregnant llama. The stockwhip is every horsemans friend. And no, I have never had occasion to use one on a horse. Jules
SERIOUSLY THANK YOU for this video!!! I've been having issues with my mare lately at feeding times and b/c I'm somewhat new to all of this I wasn't sure how to handle it. I will definitely do this tomorrow morning until she learns her boundaries at feeding time. Thank you again
Thank you, I take that compliment to heart. I've been training a poorly confused 6 yr old for 4 months now and we are now buds. Can't really ride her yet but at least she isn't going backwards anymore lol Poor thing was so confused...Went from bad handling feet, backing up, bucking, rearing etc 4 homes later and shes learning how to free jump and is just the sweetest thing now that she knows her role in life.I've got a few clips up of her.But I'll be sure to email you if I have any problems ^-^
Great video with a lot of interesting concepts. Personally I'm not crazy about the use of whips, but I can see how they are a useful tool in this situation when you are dealing with a highly aggressive horse that is actively trying to hurt you. I am looking forward to the next video on this naughty boy to see how you turn him around! :)
Thanks LLove and murph. To the person who couldn't see any threat from the body language of the horse, then they missed it. However, just 4 filming, which is why I went and got the camera, he tried to kick my head off twice as I entered the yard. The owner was here yesterday
Thanks Folks. I can understand some being slightly dismayed but this horse was at the 10/10 on the scale and it had gone past cute. The owner couldn't even lead him adequately and he was even striking with the front feet whilst on the end of the lead rope. The scene was amazing. Similar to the World Boxing Champ entering the ring :)
This technique really works! My horse bit me on my hip last week during feed time. Now she respects my space until I pat her head and walk out the gate.
We ended up great Mates Navana. Prior to that he was in danger of heading to the Pet Meat Factory. He went home and has been a complete Angel since. The Owner is very pleased and no longer sits in his feed bin rubbing his ears during meals. Thanks
Good debate, the horse told me today that it was in fact perfect :) You have to remember this though. I spend half my life having to fix horses that go all the way to bucking owners off, because of feeding rules amongst other things. I know I gave him a fair swipe but I wanted to send the message to those people that they can lift from their low assertive base. It worked. Dozens have written with thanks. Regards
Fair enough Button. You are obviously a plant which all Professionals pick up along the way. That'll be the end of the subject now but in October you can assess the horse for yourself and if you want to put your money up now, you'll see that he loves me :) Happy Trails and no more negative please. Regards
Hi john, this is a good lesson. I will do the same thing with my new horse, when he told me to back off from his hay I used the whip to send him away and kept him away until he was submissive and walked in with respect. He has learnt now but I still watch him. I agree you have to be onto it at the start the way you did, you had to match the horse aggression. The horse understood this because his attitude changed quickly. Well done.
Just answering you all, thanks for your comments. Much appreciated. I copped a bit of flack over that one (on here) but you wouldn't believe the thanks I have had from individual horse owners with problems. He is coming back next months for riding. Regards
Excellent video.... so many people get hurt at feedtime, and you illustrate why & what to do very well. In defense of Natural Horsemanship, although you said 'this is no time for natural horsemanship', that you then use classic NH technique when you employed "approach and retreat" (when inviting the horse to eat). NH is not synonymous with "wimpy".... boundaries must be established for the safety of the human no matter what your training style. That said, I am looking forward to more videos!
Excellent.. I'd rather give a harsh correction one time that is effective than a 1000 ignored ones that are turned out and proving I am inadequate. Agreed on that NH stuff, I did that with my horse a few years ago and he nearly killed me. I started methods similar to this and he's now a sweetheart and SAFE to be around.
I had an email from the owner last night. He is coming back for small tuning as he has his Andalusian State Show coming up. The higher the intelligence, the more they work them out :) This one is smart as.
Yes Benny. We are just more gentle in reality and no injury. He is a changed boy now. I am riding him on Wednesday morning. He is highly intelligent and needs more stimulation but I now know his 'Mummy' used to sit in his feed bin and play with his ears as he chased the husband out of the area hahahaha. Regards
My appols for not having the time to comment to all. Just Yesterday, a Young Lady at our Equestrian Centre, was almost kicked in the Head, simply because of this feeding time subject. She is now to afraid to lunge the Horse. Lovely Horse....a Standardbred, which just simply has lost all respect for her. Regards
i really like how this guy is no nonsense about the method. i havent had to hit my horse with a wip yet. but if it came to me gettin ran over or bit, i wouldnt hesitate. it seems like too many people would avoid the situation by thowing the hay or feed over the fence to the horse.rather than just wack the horse once or twice and end it all together.
Of course. I have fed up to 20 Brood Mares or Yearlings on 100 acres, with feed Bins and they all learn it immediately and with ease. They learn it within their Herd every Day Sharatola as there is a Brood Mare with a Big Whip in each :)
Thankyou John this is so very VERY Helpfull...! i have a new filly and she is pushy , cheeky , also have a feed obsesed 21 yr old Tbred , so feed times i tie up the old girl as she will push the filly out of her feed , they both get rather pushy So i will do as you have here . THANKS again !
Thank you for the HONEST horse sense, before that horse hurt someone seriously. I already had my filly backing into the corner of her pen and waiting until she is released to eat. But didn't know what to do with the crowding at the gate. I also have her back into a corner, while cleaning her pen.
He was turned around that day ponymare. He was there for ground manners as he was chasing the Husband out of the yard and I rode him 3 days later, as part of his ground manners work :) He was great and we became good Mates. Regards
thank u for putting this vidio up i had a grain bucket once and i was going out into the pasture to feed the horses grain buckets and the mare totally lost controll and nocked me down and walked right over me and stepped on my ancle bown and broke it but i know even though they had no respect for me it still was my fault for even going out there the way i did know what could happen
Aah Fishy. Well done. An experienced Horse person has arrived :) As I said at the outset, he had tried exactly that just prior to me going and getting the camera, which is why I did. He thought it was all clean fun but people in a coma do not :) Regards
same. luckily, i've never had problems at feed time with MY horses, but i fed for my friend once, and her horse used to charge you as soon as you tried to feed him. a few cracks of the lunge whip sorted him out.
It is soooo much better to never let it get to this point. This boy must have had some very unsavvy owners. Hope you are training the owners as well : )
I will never ever go into a horses space again while they eat.You have given me such a boost to carry on with her as alot of people have told me to give up... i nearly did. I also know if i sold her on she would end up at the knackers... she is to good for that.
one thing a lot of people never think about is, that when you see a group of young unhandled horses, they deal with each other by biting and kicking at each other, the more dominant one, will actually CHASE the individual it is trying to gain respect from, they take no crap, and if the line is crossed, they make sure their lessons are never forgotten, he isn't beating the horse, just giving it a warning nip,
I'll give him your regards in the morning Indio. I am Riding him at 9am. By the way, he was a completely normal and well adjusted, well mannered horse tonight at feed time so you can stop worrying :) Regards
I had to do this the last few days.I was inside his paddock about to put the feed in his bucket,I put my hand on his chest, just to get him to step back out of the way and he bit me in the stomach.I threw the feed bucket at him,and chased him around the paddock for a few minutes.Since then I have been doing this ,moving him away and making him wait until I let him come to the feed.
Lets face is, whilst not with a whip most people will chase their horse back when being bossy round food and never seems to work, so chasing back with a whip whilst entering makes alot f sense!! Its shocking people because you have the balls to show what works! Being sharp is what the head of the herd will do over food for respect, makes sense. cool :)
In fact, he was a highly intelligent horse that the owners Husband had been using Poly Pipe on because the horse wouldn't allow him in the paddock. Just cunning and with a high IQ. We became the best of mates.
So glad to have found your videos! I've had to do this with my paint mare. Is there ever a time to train them to allow you to adjust blankets, etc while feeding? Or best to leave it at walking away from food on your own terms?
Of course. When they are in line and respectful, there is nothing you can't do. I write with the Novices in mind and always slant my comments and systems towards them :)
Thanks for your comments Button. In response, I can tell you that I can not only read their body language but also their minds, 100% of the time. Something that I feel privilaged about. Now you should go and check the body language of some fo the NH horses on this Site and tell me about their body language. Regards
of course gegquine. With the limited words allowed to fully explain here I am not getting it across. I have many people write to me who have fixed their dangerous horses since this pod cast. Today here: Thank you. Also i loved your pod cast about dangers at feed time...my horses crouded me at feed time and would pin there ears back and try bucking, now one waits in the corner, and the other wait at the other end of the paddock, that's were they are fed :) Thanks heaps. chloe" Regards
You're an awesome horse trainer, and I respect that you know what you're doing. I don't know if you've posted this, but I have a horse myself, her name's Ginger and she's been very jumpy for the past couple weeks. Nervous and spirited, but she's normally calm and expectant of everything around her. It's starting to happen under saddle as well, what do I do?
Dimples, you need to read the whole thread here. All your questions are answered. The horse was fixed before your eyes and it's dangerous behaviour was caused via bonding at feed time. regards
Update. As you see in the sequel of this vid, he finished a dream boat under saddle. He came back 6 months later. Totally out of his Box, in turmoil and with no mouth left whatsoever. We were only then told he had been having full on sex with a Mare at home so he was a rig. That explains much
spun as you came through the gate and in fact double barrelled at your head. Highly dangerous, not his fault, he is coming back in the Spring and I will feature him just for you :)
@TheHighlander31 Hi again. I live in a Round Pen :) Daily. I grabbed the Camera impromptu as this Horse had just tried to kick me twice when I went to feed. I didn';t want to miss the educational opportunity. As I said, this day was the turning point for this Horse and we became very good Friends. Regards
I did this with my stb 4 years ago, she used to push people over for feed, I had her in a yard and she had to walk away when I approached with feed and wait outside the shed/stable until I had put her feed in, I then approached her and gave her a treat then walked away, my mum has bad knees and cant move very fast so i needed my horse to be respectable enough that she could also feed on nights I was working :)
No problem Trish, just perhaps a bit more experience, timing and positioning but they can all be trained together. However, if an amatuer, train one at a time and then build them together. Regards
Instinctively I've been doing what you instructed in this video with my horse. I demand space and respect from him when I enter his pen with his feed. I don't let him get away with anything. Now, I don't know if the other people who feed him during the rest of the week do the same and perhaps they don't, reason why I have to be so adamant when I feed him 2x/week. I'll pass on your system to the other people who feed my horse.
If she is on her own and other horses are in adjacent stalls and been starved, I would have understanding for her. If in the mob, then it is the pecking order at work. That's horses. This video was about the safety of people. cheers
great very good to know; as my mare tried to herd another mare over the top me when I went to feed them and they both were trotting around me with a couple of others made me very uncomfortable. i found a smaller whip is ineffective because there are to many so I will flick a training whip around my space to keep them all out. Thanks
That's Ok Twist, I'm from Australia and my English isn't all that good either lol. Yes, I am the Trainer. I was in your Country last year. My wife is Dutch and we went to Aachen. Regards
he was completely out of hand, stiking even. The last two triggers to fix him was the feeding and lastly, to not invade the gate as he kicked at you. Thanks
Thanks for your comments. I forgot to include that the horse had graduated past being hit with Poly Pipe by the Owners Husband, such was his rise to domination. You should know that I don't go around hitting horses for submission. Just watch the other videos. This is and wa an exception and many are out there. regards all
Trainers the World over are often not given all the facts. Yes, I know, we don't need the facts as the Horse tells us all but the first two times around at my place, there happened to be Geldings each side of him. Only on the third time back was there a Mare. He then gave my wife the full Bronc Show when taken away to the arena. Never a sign of such b4
I think what he's trying to say here is that you need to take a strong dominant stance when dealing with a horse that is strong-willed at feeding time. "Touchy feely" is what some people try to do because they want to be gentle 24/7 with horses, and that is a dangerous thing b/c horses are NOT gentle with us! They are large animals that can hurt us if we do not get their respect.
The horse 'MUST NOT' kick his owners head off or mine, which is where he was 5 minutes prior. Lethal Weapon totally out of control. Such horses often end up with their heads on the abbotoir floor. Now he is a dream, going to the Andalusion Championships this month and then back to me for ridden. Simple as that. Regards
Very observant of you CCmatt. I have had a run on people reporting lie altering changes due to fixing the feed time attitude. Check the body language pics now here: my website/problems index/dangers at feed time. :)
I love this clip! But how do you make it work with two or three horses in fence together? This is dangerous within itself because they are all getting pushy with the pecking order. Any suggestions?
Horses are lethal weapons in the hands of the amatuer. Deaths occur across the Planet. They can spin 180 and kick your head off far quicker than we can ever move. Especially those 'out of their box' like this one was. regards
remember, the horse just arrived. it is the alpha or was until right there where the pecking order changed, which is what this was about. I have said b4, the husband was being edjected from the yard by this horse
I feed horses that are in groups or up to 4-5, is it possible to chase them away with a training whip without them galloping off collecting as a group and coming back to trample me as I empty each feed into a long row of feed barrels
It is interesting that if there were another horse there, just sitting watching, it would be ears back, ass to the other horse at all costs, looking back with glare and kicking mid air. Just an observation. Regards
Honestly how good is this guy!! he's prob got to be the most easiest person to watch and learn from - does everything so clear and basic and keeps everything simple - doesnt over complicate anything like half the so called trainers over here in the UK! Well Done!! this clip may have just saved my life with my nasty super heavey weight cob who does exactly the same and has a bad attitude! thank you!
Wow, I can actually see how to apply this to my horse, who used to be an aggressive feeder but has lessened.
Great lesson.
I wish more people would understand the potential danger at feed time if you do not have the respect from your horse. Great video!
Virtually every day of my working life, I get thanked for this Pod Cast where people have finally fixed their out of control horses. Twice yesterday in fact and that is just in my immediate vicinity. That equals probable saving of horses lives and that makes me happy. The ultimate horse welfare. Merry Christmas
Just a few words to thank you. I check you out whenever possible cause I find your advice very positive. I'm a 44 yro horse lover from Madrid, brought up in Kent (boarding school)riding since 4yro, 6 yrs ago decided to start buying my own and now have 4 horses. I have them in semi-liberty in the Gredos mountain range(200 km Southwest of Madrid)in the tiny village my mom is from. I have tamed 4 horses in the passed 2 yrs and a lot has come from you. I find you original and practical, THANKS.
Mighty Kind Madam. Thanks. There are a lot of great Horsemen and Women in this Country. Regards
I like this method. Not only is he saving the horses life but he is potentially saving a human's life in the process. Horses are strong and powerful animals and I think that some people forget that. This horse is gorgeous and I'd like to take him over some jumps! lol.
Thanks so much for making this information available and FREE. I have miniature horses and shetlands, these little guys are so dominant. You have to treat them firmly and get them to respect your space, but try telling someone else that ! On another topic, I bought a new horse float the other day as a result of reading your article on floats and realising that the one I had was a potential death trap. That trailer has now been converted for general use, no more animals in it !
Here's another danger of feed aggression (and small doorways). I was 15 the long-ago summer when my dad bought our Morgan/quarterhorse mix Rex, and horse-keeping was new to all of us, but it was going pretty well I think. I was riding him in the pasture one afternoon, a nice pleasant ride that I felt we were both enjoying, when Rex noticed Dad approaching the barn from another direction, and carrying a small canister. Suddenly Rex bolted for the barn at a gallop, and totally ignored my efforts to stop him. I realized that he probably thought Dad was bringing him some molasses feed, which he loved. The bridle was suddenly useless, though usually it only took the lightest of touches to neck rein him. As we sped faster and faster towards the narrow one horse width barn door (it was so narrow we always walked him out and saddled him up outside) and were almost at the entryway, I realized that there was very little clearance for either my upper body or legs or knees or feet or stirrups, and I pulled my legs up out of the stirrups and leaned forward over his neck so that I wouldn't hit my head and could hopefully protect my legs by stretching them out against him and being as flat as possible. A split-second later we tore through the doorway and battered the stirrups only, and Rex skidded up fast at his feed box, which wasn't even full. Dad had been carrying a coffee can full of nuts and bolts into the storage area of the barn, not a scoop of feed, and had already left. I felt that I was lucky to be alive and still all in one piece. Rex was fine, just snorting in his box and pretty annoyed that it was empty. I don't think he would have noticed if he had left me injured or dead in the doorway. After all, he thought it was snacktime! Just goes to show that things can change in a flash and a close call can happen when you least expect it.
Bravo... thank you... I've just realized...this is exactly where my horse lost respect for me! This is where it began to go wrong..from day one. He was able to intimidate me, that is how the relationship continued. I loved him so much so I foolishly tried over and over to talk him into respect so I began to accomidate his behavior, instead of making him respect me. 3 months in a wheel chair and 2 years of hell!! I've learned alot from your videos. I have learned to gain respect!!.
Thanks freisiangirl. It is difficult indeed to answer such challenges on the Internet which is why most Professionals do not stick their necks out and try to educate. You do meet set up opportunities of people with vested interests. I know I ruffle a few feathers in my pursuit of 'animal welfare' but that's life :)
He broke in really well. We recommended his owner get once a wk lessons due to his extreme intelligence and A.D.D. She didn't. He eventually came back 6 weeks later, in complete turmoil through confusion.
Wow, it's amazing how many people have the wrong idea about natural horsemanship. What you demonstrated about this.. it's very natural horsemanship..
I definitely agree with your way of handling this horse, I tried it on my filly, who for the most part is very gentle, but at feeding time wants to be all in my space and such. I didn't have to spank her or anything, but just watching these video has given me knowledge on how to gain respect and she does respect me even more now that I show her who is boss at feeding time. Thanks mate, Joe.
This word "Thankyou" doesnt convey to you how eternally grateful i am for this website. Somehow i stumbled across it this morning after a sleepless night of worry and sadness.
I live in NewZealand and i have been trying to find someone here to help me with my very alpha mare... it has proved to be incredibly difficult and last night she lounged at me again over her food...
Awesome work, John! I am an off the track Thoroughbred retrainer and it's nice to see someone who doesn't 'pussyfoot' around with moody horses. Love your work you are a brilliant horseman! -Katie
I got my mare because of this problem. She wouldn't even let me in the field with the grain bucket without her stomping at the gate. I had to drive her away with a driving whip,i would make her wait. Once she understood that she isn't going to eat until she setttles she got better. She had a few homes. I was able to talk to the original owner. He said he use to dump the grain and run.She is the best little mare at feeding time. I 100% agree with you.
This reminds me of how they have to rehabilitate dogs that are food aggressive. They are also dangerous, though not like a horse. The pack leader always has say over food, whether a horse or a dog. The human must be the pack leader and to not be the pack leader is to have an animal that walks all over you and, disrespects you. This is pretty cool and thanks for sharing this type of advice free. Safety is paramount! It's a shame uneducated bleeding hearts just don't get it!
Thanks elliemay. I devote my life to the Leaner/novice people in the Industry and so I do not have time to be "Oh so poetic" to impress the masses with words like "response mechanisms" :) This video as saved hundreds of people and their complete association with their Horses. I get the emails every week. Of course, one doesn't have to go about such horses so quickly but this was a particularly out of control horse with a high intelligence profile. He had A.D.D. as in Human form. Thanks and rega
He went home on day 8 and I had accidentally broken him in and ridden him twice around the District as a perfect boy. His Mummy is still waiting for him to change back :) Thanks
Thank you for this valuable video. People who do not own stockwhips are unaware of how they actually work. It's not the tiny little "lick" on the horses butt that moves his feet, it's the sound of the whip cracking and the human's intent behind it. This is proper training, and an excellent video. I own three stockwhips. I have used them to chase off bears who were eating our beehives, and coyotes intent on killing my pregnant llama. The stockwhip is every horsemans friend. And no, I have never had occasion to use one on a horse. Jules
Finally someone who doesn't BS! Nice to see, good vid. TY
SERIOUSLY THANK YOU for this video!!! I've been having issues with my mare lately at feeding times and b/c I'm somewhat new to all of this I wasn't sure how to handle it. I will definitely do this tomorrow morning until she learns her boundaries at feeding time. Thank you again
Thank you, I take that compliment to heart.
I've been training a poorly confused 6 yr old for 4 months now and we are now buds. Can't really ride her yet but at least she isn't going backwards anymore lol Poor thing was so confused...Went from bad handling feet, backing up, bucking, rearing etc 4 homes later and shes learning how to free jump and is just the sweetest thing now that she knows her role in life.I've got a few clips up of her.But I'll be sure to email you if I have any problems ^-^
Great video with a lot of interesting concepts. Personally I'm not crazy about the use of whips, but I can see how they are a useful tool in this situation when you are dealing with a highly aggressive horse that is actively trying to hurt you. I am looking forward to the next video on this naughty boy to see how you turn him around! :)
Thanks LLove and murph. To the person who couldn't see any threat from the body language of the horse, then they missed it. However, just 4 filming, which is why I went and got the camera, he tried to kick my head off twice as I entered the yard. The owner was here yesterday
Thanks Folks. I can understand some being slightly dismayed but this horse was at the 10/10 on the scale and it had gone past cute. The owner couldn't even lead him adequately and he was even striking with the front feet whilst on the end of the lead rope. The scene was amazing. Similar to the World Boxing Champ entering the ring :)
Very well done. Straight to the point and reminds us that u can't let them get away with sh*t. :)
This technique really works! My horse bit me on my hip last week during feed time. Now she respects my space until I pat her head and walk out the gate.
We ended up great Mates Navana. Prior to that he was in danger of heading to the Pet Meat Factory. He went home and has been a complete Angel since. The Owner is very pleased and no longer sits in his feed bin rubbing his ears during meals. Thanks
Good debate, the horse told me today that it was in fact perfect :) You have to remember this though. I spend half my life having to fix horses that go all the way to bucking owners off, because of feeding rules amongst other things. I know I gave him a fair swipe but I wanted to send the message to those people that they can lift from their low assertive base. It worked. Dozens have written with thanks. Regards
love the horse and the method........
Fair enough Button. You are obviously a plant which all Professionals pick up along the way. That'll be the end of the subject now but in October you can assess the horse for yourself and if you want to put your money up now, you'll see that he loves me :) Happy Trails and no more negative please. Regards
Hi john, this is a good lesson. I will do the same thing with my new horse, when he told me to back off from his hay I used the whip to send him away and kept him away until he was submissive and walked in with respect. He has learnt now but I still watch him. I agree you have to be onto it at the start the way you did, you had to match the horse aggression. The horse understood this because his attitude changed quickly. Well done.
i think you techniques are brilliant and work well.
You have a very good advance and retreat approach!!! :)
Just answering you all, thanks for your comments. Much appreciated. I copped a bit of flack over that one (on here) but you wouldn't believe the thanks I have had from individual horse owners with problems. He is coming back next months for riding. Regards
Excellent video.... so many people get hurt at feedtime, and you illustrate why & what to do very well.
In defense of Natural Horsemanship, although you said 'this is no time for natural horsemanship', that you then use classic NH technique when you employed "approach and retreat" (when inviting the horse to eat). NH is not synonymous with "wimpy".... boundaries must be established for the safety of the human no matter what your training style.
That said, I am looking forward to more videos!
Excellent.. I'd rather give a harsh correction one time that is effective than a 1000 ignored ones that are turned out and proving I am inadequate.
Agreed on that NH stuff, I did that with my horse a few years ago and he nearly killed me. I started methods similar to this and he's now a sweetheart and SAFE to be around.
I had an email from the owner last night. He is coming back for small tuning as he has his Andalusian State Show coming up. The higher the intelligence, the more they work them out :) This one is smart as.
Yes Benny. We are just more gentle in reality and no injury. He is a changed boy now. I am riding him on Wednesday morning. He is highly intelligent and needs more stimulation but I now know his 'Mummy' used to sit in his feed bin and play with his ears as he chased the husband out of the area hahahaha. Regards
My appols for not having the time to comment to all. Just Yesterday, a Young Lady at our Equestrian Centre, was almost kicked in the Head, simply because of this feeding time subject. She is now to afraid to lunge the Horse. Lovely Horse....a Standardbred, which just simply has lost all respect for her. Regards
i really like how this guy is no nonsense about the method. i havent had to hit my horse with a wip yet. but if it came to me gettin ran over or bit, i wouldnt hesitate. it seems like too many people would avoid the situation by thowing the hay or feed over the fence to the horse.rather than just wack the horse once or twice and end it all together.
Of course. I have fed up to 20 Brood Mares or Yearlings on 100 acres, with feed Bins and they all learn it immediately and with ease. They learn it within their Herd every Day Sharatola as there is a Brood Mare with a Big Whip in each :)
Thanks. x
done that and horse is going brilliantly
Thankyou John this is so very VERY Helpfull...! i have a new filly and she is pushy , cheeky , also have a feed obsesed 21 yr old Tbred , so feed times i tie up the old girl as she will push the filly out of her feed , they both get rather pushy So i will do as you have here . THANKS again !
Thank you for the HONEST horse sense, before that horse hurt someone seriously. I already had my filly backing into the corner of her pen and waiting until she is released to eat. But didn't know what to do with the crowding at the gate. I also have her back into a corner, while cleaning her pen.
He was turned around that day ponymare. He was there for ground manners as he was chasing the Husband out of the yard and I rode him 3 days later, as part of his ground manners work :) He was great and we became good Mates. Regards
my pleasure cjone. Regards
My pleasure.
Oh I just read your comment 3 weeks ago, what a shame, he looked extremely intelligent, needed an more experienced owner.
thank u for putting this vidio up i had a grain bucket once and i was going out into the pasture to feed the horses grain buckets and the mare totally lost controll and nocked me down and walked right over me and stepped on my ancle bown and broke it but i know even though they had no respect for me it still was my fault for even going out there the way i did know what could happen
awesome video!!!
Aah Fishy. Well done. An experienced Horse person has arrived :) As I said at the outset, he had tried exactly that just prior to me going and getting the camera, which is why I did. He thought it was all clean fun but people in a coma do not :) Regards
don't quite understand there Blazing but thanks for the comment anyhow. Regards
same.
luckily, i've never had problems at feed time with MY horses, but i fed for my friend once, and her horse used to charge you as soon as you tried to feed him. a few cracks of the lunge whip sorted him out.
my pleasure
It is soooo much better to never let it get to this point. This boy must have had some very unsavvy owners. Hope you are training the owners as well : )
I will never ever go into a horses space again while they eat.You have given me such a boost to carry on with her as alot of people have told me to give up... i nearly did. I also know if i sold her on she would end up at the knackers... she is to good for that.
fair enough. Thanks
one thing a lot of people never think about is, that when you see a group of young unhandled horses, they deal with each other by biting and kicking at each other, the more dominant one, will actually CHASE the individual it is trying to gain respect from, they take no crap, and if the line is crossed, they make sure their lessons are never forgotten, he isn't beating the horse, just giving it a warning nip,
I'll give him your regards in the morning Indio. I am Riding him at 9am. By the way, he was a completely normal and well adjusted, well mannered horse tonight at feed time so you can stop worrying :) Regards
The next two will show my fierce 'Animal Welfare' bent and be most educational, even for Vets. Thanks
I had to do this the last few days.I was inside his paddock about to put the feed in his bucket,I put my hand on his chest, just to get him to step back out of the way and he bit me in the stomach.I threw the feed bucket at him,and chased him around the paddock for a few minutes.Since then I have been doing this ,moving him away and making him wait until I let him come to the feed.
Lets face is, whilst not with a whip most people will chase their horse back when being bossy round food and never seems to work, so chasing back with a whip whilst entering makes alot f sense!! Its shocking people because you have the balls to show what works! Being sharp is what the head of the herd will do over food for respect, makes sense. cool :)
In fact, he was a highly intelligent horse that the owners Husband had been using Poly Pipe on because the horse wouldn't allow him in the paddock. Just cunning and with a high IQ. We became the best of mates.
That was Feedback from the USA
Joanna.
Well the Horse disagrees Indio. He arrived back here last night and we worked together this morning. We got on famously :)
Cheers
So glad to have found your videos! I've had to do this with my paint mare. Is there ever a time to train them to allow you to adjust blankets, etc while feeding? Or best to leave it at walking away from food on your own terms?
Of course. When they are in line and respectful, there is nothing you can't do. I write with the Novices in mind and always slant my comments and systems towards them :)
Thanks for your comments Button. In response, I can tell you that I can not only read their body language but also their minds, 100% of the time. Something that I feel privilaged about. Now you should go and check the body language of some fo the NH horses on this Site and tell me about their body language. Regards
of course gegquine. With the limited words allowed to fully explain here I am not getting it across. I have many people write to me who have fixed their dangerous horses since this pod cast. Today here: Thank you.
Also i loved your pod cast about dangers at feed time...my horses crouded me at feed time and would pin there ears back and try bucking, now one waits in the corner, and the other wait at the other end of the paddock, that's were they are fed :) Thanks heaps.
chloe" Regards
Cheers. You obviously know what you are talkin about :)
You're an awesome horse trainer, and I respect that you know what you're doing. I don't know if you've posted this, but I have a horse myself, her name's Ginger and she's been very jumpy for the past couple weeks. Nervous and spirited, but she's normally calm and expectant of everything around her. It's starting to happen under saddle as well, what do I do?
Dimples, you need to read the whole thread here. All your questions are answered. The horse was fixed before your eyes and it's dangerous behaviour was caused via bonding at feed time. regards
Update. As you see in the sequel of this vid, he finished a dream boat under saddle. He came back 6 months later. Totally out of his Box, in turmoil and with no mouth left whatsoever. We were only then told he had been having full on sex with a Mare at home so he was a rig. That explains much
spun as you came through the gate and in fact double barrelled at your head. Highly dangerous, not his fault, he is coming back in the Spring and I will feature him just for you :)
Thanks Monnie. Did you see the sequal with this horse? I finished him a cuple of weeks ago. A real character who I love a lot. Kind Regards
@TheHighlander31
Hi again. I live in a Round Pen :) Daily. I grabbed the Camera impromptu as this Horse had just tried to kick me twice when I went to feed. I didn';t want to miss the educational opportunity. As I said, this day was the turning point for this Horse and we became very good Friends. Regards
Last week, a 6 month old let fly at one of our clients and missed her ear by mm. The Most dangerous are the babies imho and in my injury experience :)
I did this with my stb 4 years ago, she used to push people over for feed, I had her in a yard and she had to walk away when I approached with feed and wait outside the shed/stable until I had put her feed in, I then approached her and gave her a treat then walked away, my mum has bad knees and cant move very fast so i needed my horse to be respectable enough that she could also feed on nights I was working :)
No problem Trish, just perhaps a bit more experience, timing and positioning but they can all be trained together. However, if an amatuer, train one at a time and then build them together. Regards
Instinctively I've been doing what you instructed in this video with my horse. I demand space and respect from him when I enter his pen with his feed. I don't let him get away with anything. Now, I don't know if the other people who feed him during the rest of the week do the same and perhaps they don't, reason why I have to be so adamant when I feed him 2x/week. I'll pass on your system to the other people who feed my horse.
If she is on her own and other horses are in adjacent stalls and been starved, I would have understanding for her. If in the mob, then it is the pecking order at work. That's horses. This video was about the safety of people. cheers
great very good to know; as my mare tried to herd another mare over the top me when I went to feed them and they both were trotting around me with a couple of others made me very uncomfortable. i found a smaller whip is ineffective because there are to many so I will flick a training whip around my space to keep them all out. Thanks
That's Ok Twist, I'm from Australia and my English isn't all that good either lol. Yes, I am the Trainer. I was in your Country last year. My wife is Dutch and we went to Aachen. Regards
he was completely out of hand, stiking even. The last two triggers to fix him was the feeding and lastly, to not invade the gate as he kicked at you. Thanks
Respect it's al about respect!!!
Yes, it's a doosie, isn't it. They work it out but I have chucked it. An agistee built it and gave it to us :)
Thanks for your comments. I forgot to include that the horse had graduated past being hit with Poly Pipe by the Owners Husband, such was his rise to domination. You should know that I don't go around hitting horses for submission. Just watch the other videos. This is and wa an exception and many are out there. regards all
Trainers the World over are often not given all the facts. Yes, I know, we don't need the facts as the Horse tells us all but the first two times around at my place, there happened to be Geldings each side of him. Only on the third time back was there a Mare. He then gave my wife the full Bronc Show when taken away to the arena. Never a sign of such b4
I think what he's trying to say here is that you need to take a strong dominant stance when dealing with a horse that is strong-willed at feeding time. "Touchy feely" is what some people try to do because they want to be gentle 24/7 with horses, and that is a dangerous thing b/c horses are NOT gentle with us! They are large animals that can hurt us if we do not get their respect.
The horse 'MUST NOT' kick his owners head off or mine, which is where he was 5 minutes prior. Lethal Weapon totally out of control. Such horses often end up with their heads on the abbotoir floor. Now he is a dream, going to the Andalusion Championships this month and then back to me for ridden. Simple as that. Regards
Very observant of you CCmatt. I have had a run on people reporting lie altering changes due to fixing the feed time attitude. Check the body language pics now here: my website/problems index/dangers at feed time. :)
I love this clip! But how do you make it work with two or three horses in fence together? This is dangerous within itself because they are all getting pushy with the pecking order. Any suggestions?
Horses are lethal weapons in the hands of the amatuer. Deaths occur across the Planet. They can spin 180 and kick your head off far quicker than we can ever move. Especially those 'out of their box' like this one was. regards
remember, the horse just arrived. it is the alpha or was until right there where the pecking order changed, which is what this was about. I have said b4, the husband was being edjected from the yard by this horse
I feed horses that are in groups or up to 4-5, is it possible to chase them away with a training whip without them galloping off collecting as a group and coming back to trample me as I empty each feed into a long row of feed barrels
It is interesting that if there were another horse there, just sitting watching, it would be ears back, ass to the other horse at all costs, looking back with glare and kicking mid air. Just an observation. Regards