tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2146995948798827920.post4898059845320630457..comments2023-11-16T03:43:07.585-05:00Comments on food, life.: The Effect of Indecision on Consistency (aka Dealing with a Pushy Horse)RuckusButthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14760056031442317243noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2146995948798827920.post-78217562045356543302011-11-07T09:28:17.714-05:002011-11-07T09:28:17.714-05:00Hmmm - interesting and good that you caught on to ...Hmmm - interesting and good that you caught on to what he was doing... The touching thing is tricky - but I kind of like Kate's statement - "leading - that's work and we have rules". That is in line with what the new trainer dude we have at our barn has been telling me. <br /><br />I just finished Whole Heart, Whole Horse (not sure if that is the book you were reading or not) but it really got me thinking about when a horse touches you and what is going on.<br /><br />Lots of stuff to think about - I feel like there is lots more to talk about on this subject, but it is hard put into words in a little comment box!Laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01736592362765508427noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2146995948798827920.post-54495895849746508002011-11-06T06:32:39.250-05:002011-11-06T06:32:39.250-05:00I'd be inclined to actually "work" o...I'd be inclined to actually "work" on leading and ground space in dedicated work sessions - a chunk of time where that's what you're doing together.<br /><br />And first you have to decide what the boundaries are, and then stick to them. Otherwise it isn't fair to him. And it doesn't matter how you move him out of your space - do whatever works for him and you - some horses respond best to noise, some best to hand gestures, some to backing in hand.<br /><br />And if he shows any sign of fussing or aggro, don't under any circumstances stop - if you do he's just trained you. Any signs of aggression - head shaking, striking, etc., you get right in there and move him - in that case I'm not that gentle.<br /><br />I don't mind horses touching me when I'm nearby, say when grooming, but not when I'm leading - that's work and we have rules.<br /><br />Good luck - you might want to try some leading exercises like the ones on my sidebar once you've got the personal space thing nailed.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com