I have been working with a 3 year old gelding. We are starting him on a bit and are really starting his training but I've noticed something odd about him. He works extremely well when other horses are in the roundpen with us but keeps getting distracted and bratty when by himself. I'm sure it is partially him adjusting to the bit but how do you think I should handle this? I can't have one or two other horses and riders with us every single time.
Extra Question: Does anyone else get majorly freaked out by barns at night?
He's herd sour - he's been allowed to be with his friends all the time so now he is upset having to work alone my horse was like that at first luckily we caught it and fixed it and he was older and knew not to be like that. you need to work with him alone alot never with other horses except for every once in awhile to keep him ok with working with other horses. i suggest some free lunging and bring a lunge whip. just leave the saddle on (if he's broke to that) and his headstall/bit (take off reins) and let him go but bring a lunge whip. my horse was also weak with no muscle when we got him so he would often try come come after us and challenge us when he worked alot to show he was tired and he was pretty intimidating with his teeth barred. so we brought a lunge whip when he was on the rail if he started trying to buck or anything we would bring it behind him, if he refused to move a small pop on the hind end, if he tried to come in and challenge us we bring it towards his face and if needed a little flick at his face (never touching him though) and it made him stop we don't get any trouble with him anymore. just work alot on his own and stand up to his hissy fits and he'll get better
I do not think the bit is the reason your horse is getting distracted when other horses are not with him. Horses are naturally herd animals so they prefer the comfort of their friends. Your gelding is also very young and new things in general will make him uncomfortable. Start slow. And remember his attention span is not very long. Work with him for a short time at first and then let him back with his friends. Maybe try to start working him with another horse and rider for a little while and then by himself. Be patient and persistant. Eventually he will understand that its ok if he is worked without others in the roundpen with him.
It has nothing to do with the bit, horses are herd animals, safety in numbers! He panics when alone, he is distracted because he is looking for his buddies. You must take the leadership role to keep him focused on you.
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As for being freaked out at night, I wasn't for years, until I turned on the lights one night & saw a family of opossums in the rafters! Total fear when it comes to them!
That is not odd behavior at all. Horses are herd animals and thrive in numbers. A lot of horses get nervous when they are not around other horses or their 'herd' and do not have a leader they feel confident in. You need to learn to become a better leader for him. Get him focused on you and keep his mind occupied. He also needs you to build his confidence when he is alone. If you can do those things you will become his leader and 'herd', not the other horses.
show him that you can be trusted ussally it's not a bit it's fear he is scared to be alone and dosn't reconize you yet get to know him and he will think of you as the leader or another horse just be friendly and tell him it's ok!
