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By: olivia clark
on May 31, 2012
in General Questions
Rating: 0
my new horse is NOT a kicker but she hates people everyone but me, but she has been trying to kick me lately so i wanted to get to the bottom of this problem. I started with brushing her tail and pretty much bugging her and she was fine. Long story short, she is aggressive with food! I think it is because she was in a large herd at the other place. The funny thing is is if i am on her side she is fine but when i walk behind her and she sees me with her other eye she squeals at am swooshes her tail and cocked her leg at me.
what do i do? Do you know any videos that will tell me? thank you :)
are you walking behind her while she's eatting hay or grain?
If you're comfy doing it, I would stand next to her butt, grab her tail and brush it out. Everyday. Do this for 4-5 days, then if she's doing well and not trying to kick you, move closer to behind her, just a step or 2 and repeat.
She just needs to realize you aren't going to steal her food, once she realizes this she'll be better.
You also really need to work with her around other people. Her being aggressive towards everyone, but you is not ok. Something can happen when you aren't around because someone else didn't know what to watch for. I'd post a sign warning people until you've fixed the issue.
... she is not mean to other people she was abused so her gets nerveis around other people and does not listen as well and i own my own ranch so only people she is around is me and my family... and she is better with them to::)
What I'd do if she swishes her tail at me or cocks that leg threatening me is correct her and tell her firmly 'NO" with a small smack. You have to insist that she can't even think of striking at you or anybody else. Then praise her with a gentle stroke on the rump when she puts the leg back down and goes on about her business.
Hi Olivia. Goodness what a dilema! Nobody wants to be around a kicking horse. For a start I would make her face up to you every time you go near her whether it be feeding, catching etc. If she wont do this you need to swing a long rope at her rump. If she runs away thats ok follow along behind her and swing your rope to hit the ground. When she turns to you or faces up stop and retreat a few paces and encourage her to walk to you. Do not use food rewards. This may take some time but persevere. She must learn that it is not cool to turn her bum to you EVER.
Once you have mastered that you will have a bit more respect. If she still threatens to kick you and you are close enough to smack her you may get kicked. Feed her with a halter on. If she threatens to kick you bring her head toward you and disengage her HQ. Get her to spin stepping 1 hind foot under the other and around. When she has done that reward her by allowing to stop and then allow her to eat. Repeat everytime she threatens you.
Good luck with her and stay safe.
