Ok, I'm having some problems with my Mustang Rebel. We've had him for 5 + years and he's like a big puppy, but when it comes to riding and lunging he gets really pushy. When I ride him, he wont go . He just stands there. He doesn't like the bit and will toss his head, so I used his halter and put reins on it and he still wont go. He puts his ears back and looks really annoyed. Also, when I try to get on him he moves around and wont stand still. When lunging, he will walk about half a circle and try to run me over (not good!). He pins his ears back and starts to walk towards me. Does anyone have any tips or clues to why he does this? How do I fix these problems? (I ride Western on him)
To start with, I am going to take issue with "mustangs can be like that" that someone stated. Any horse can be like that and a mustang that suddenly is becoming a problem is no different than the dozens of other folks who complain about their horses on this site. So now my dander is back down.
I am going to expand upon what Barefoot said. This is a groundwork issue. This is a foundation issue. A horse like this needs to be restarted from the ground up. His attitude is based upon
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com what his experiences with people have been, not necessarily abuse, but probably a lack of clear understanding what is expected and a lack of relief to understand it. I am sorry, and I may get thumbs down, but I have yet to see an amish trained horse that wasn't forced trained and I live in amish country. These horses have submitted to force instead of being taught to seek out the right answer. So you have to now show him that life is fair.
Teeth that were floated 2 years ago means nothing. Points come back in weeks sometimes.
If he is newly tossing his head with the bit, that is the first place I would look for problems.
Once his teeth are checked, I would get a good DVD on groundwork and you and your mom both watch and learn and go together and video and politely critique one another while you practice with him. He is definitely not too old to fix and from your phrasing, you are definitely mature enough to understand these techniques and learn them.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com
Personally, I think Chris Cox teaches it the best and his dvds are available to rent on some horse sites like
Giddyupfix and Myhorsematters
Every problem you have listed from getting him to move forward to disrespect while lunging to moving while saddling is addressed in basic groundwork and saddling. Cox does not use a whip, just a long lead rope and rope halter, so tools are minimum.
I have had horses like this.
Some of them can be corrected, some of them can't. This is a temperament problem, along with a lot of other baggage, and lack of training and lack of respect.
This is not the place to give you a complete training program. You need to find a good trainer. Mustangs can be like this. The horse has become dominant in the ring. Whatever level of training he is at now, and whatever his problems are now, a good trainer should be able to help you.
Maybe you should get a dog.
It sounds like you have no idea of what to do with a horse when you have one. You should either get someone who knows what they are doing to help you or send him down the road to someone who can handle him.
Teeth should be done at least once a year
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com And as for behaviour try join up. It'll teach him you are in charge and it'll help form a bond between you.
Edit-
What bit do you use? Maybe try a gentler one?
Have him checked by a vet, the saddle may be uncomfortable, the bit may be uncomfortable etc, that's the first thing I'd do.
OK, with an old horse like this it's probably one 2things.
1.) His teeth are hurting them and he needs to see a vet so it will get fixed and his mouth won't be sore.
2.) He's just plain stubborn/lazy. I rode a horse this summer that all the kid (that was on her before) wanted to do was run her, well she didn't want to leave her horse friends and he was scared so he'd walk her to where he wanted to go, and get on and run her back. I took the horse from him and she (the horse) got cocky cuz i made'er do what i wanted. She refused to move so for TEN MINUTES i kicked and i kicked and i kissed and clucked and steady kicked and finally after TEN MINUTES, she moved, just one step but that's all i'd asked of er. Then we did it again, finally after about 20 minutes she walked around fine for me. Consistency is key to workin with yer horse hun.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com :) Just don't be scared of what he MIGHT do and focus on what YOU WANT him to do.
:)
This is simple. Your horse lacks basic foundation training. He is disrespectful and dominant, which is really typical for a mustang. You need to "put a handle on your horse" or everything will continue to deteriorate and will get worse. Seems it is already becoming dangerous. Your horse has your number. This is a serious game to him and he is winning. You need someone to help you, as you say you do not know why he does it or how to fix it, thus, a lack of ability and knowledge. You need someone to teach you what to do and how to get your horse to be respectful. You have to learn how to communicate successfully with your horse. Many will say "get a trainer" ;. Unless you learn what to do, a trainer will not help. It is meaningless if the trainer can work with your horse and you cannot. As soon as the trainer leaves, the horse will perceive that you don't know what you are doing, you are not in the alpha position, and he will revert to the old behaviors. He lacks impulsion, but that stems from the disrespect and dominance. Be safe and get some proper help. If you want to acquire some knowledge on your own , you could take a look at Clinton Anderson's colt starting video. Despite the fact you have had the horse for 5 years, he has never been taught the basics and that is what he and every horse needs. good luck.
