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Misbehaving in the washstall2007-11-24 21:18:27

I help this owner take care of her horse a lot but when it comes to bathing, he is a real pain the butt! The biggest problem I have with him is getting him to move his rear over. He'll be fine washing his left side but when it comes to doing the right side he WILL NOT move over so i can get that side. He's a big, sturdy morgan and doesn't budge! I'm sick of wrestling with him and asking politely doesn't quite work 100%. Once he finally moves enough so i can get through, he'll shove his butt back into me. Does anyone no why he may do this and how i can get him to let me wash that side with out having to fight with him? Thanks!

Answers:

This misbehaviour can be from nerves or ignorance. I believe with big horses it is more ignorance. He is being very stubborn and you need to apply the right amount of firmness. You need to play his game. Two ways, one is a very practical way and requires you to put up two rails inside the washstall where he will stand and he can't move then, this is very popular with large stables so that stablehands can treat horses hind legs easily. Another good firm way, you will need to hold him yourself as applying the wrong pressure while they are tied up can result in him learning to pull back, is to reverse him into the washstall, confuse him, if you have a bit in his mouth, say a rearing bit, and he goes to move over, you will have more control and you can bend his head around, he will give. If he goes to run off, pull him around to one side, they wont go anywhere. Push your thumb into his shoulder (they don't like this) and back him up to the wall, horses don't like to be reversed and if need be, spin him around towards his butt when he goes to move over, this will confuse him. When he stops moving over, reward him with kind soothing words but DONT stop hosing him. Its a game to him and you must be persistant until you win. Keep doing this in every position.

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Wow that's a toughy, hmm have someone hold the halter while you go over to his right side, while the halter holding person is feeding him some food out of a bucket. Then, I was wondering if you spray him with a hose or you sponge him. He is obviously afraid of that water, so you need a distraction and something that is soothing. If you spray him, try just using a sponge on that side, instead a spraying him. Actually, why don't you do that on the left side first, the sponge, and then he will see that it's not actually a hose. Maybe if you also gave him a bath in an open location instead of a bathing stall, then you wouldn't have to move him over in the first place. I know this was a really confusing answer, but I hope it helps!!

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he is just trying to bully you. don't elt him. you ahve to be firm wit big horses or they walk all over you. the best thing to do is bully back. when he tries to run you over bend you index finger and jam the knuckle into his side right in front of the hind leg or any where else on his side and click to him. when he doesn't budge say 'over!' loudly and then say it firmer and keep repeating it. put your weight into the knuckle and if you need to then push you hip against his. your elbow works too. stand next to him and dig your elbow into his side. horses move away from uncomfortable pressure and horses are so big it doesn't bother them unless it's concentrated. doing things like pushing with your palms on his sides will NOT work. it won't even phase him as i'm sure you have found out. another things that works is getting his lead rope and tapping his side with it to make him move. flail it just a little bit and smack it against his side enough for it to bother him but not hurt him. just push him hard be insistent and he will learn to respect you. all the while keep saying 'over!'.

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try giving the horse his favorite treat and tempt with hay.ask the owner if she can feed him while you wash! hope this helps

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If this horse was frightened or timid in the washrack, then I would look at positive reinforcement - such as treats and praise when he cooperates.