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Is it easy to fix a herd bound horse2007-11-24 21:17:57

I rode a horse that is very herd bound. He is perfect in the ring, but gets nervous when there are no horses around. I might lease him, because we do well together.

I would just like to know that his problem is fixable before I commit.

Answers:

Herd bound is a HUGE problem. Is it fixable? To a degree. But since a horse's natural instinct is to be with a group, and since some horses are much more reactive in this area, I would assume the problem will continue to some degree, that it will take alot of work to try to improve and will easily return without maintance.

In my opinion I would avoid this problem unless I was a really good rider, and prepared to put alot of time into it. Being herd bound takes the fun out of alot of activities - you can't enjoy a nice trail ride alone, your horse is prone to acting up in the barn, ring, washrack, or where ever if the other horses aren't there, and even simple things such as grooming and horse care are tricky if your horse is throwing a fit when others leave him behind!

Of course there are more minor examples of this, so since you know the horse, and your own wishes for him, the choice will be totally up to you. Just remember that you can't be surprised that he acts up alone when you knew it was a problem before you got him!

Good luck. I would avoid it. I've had some super horses that were herd bound, but that one problem gave me more problems than worth!

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I've been riding for 19 years and the best way to fix that is to ride more and more away from the other horses. Thats really the only way to get him comfortable. That and pen him away from the others more often!!

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well