Forums

[kriss10]

So, Joe can play nice when he wants something?

[Joan Deutsch]

Kriss, Yes, Joe is very smart and will do anything to get a treat. But he then gets pushy, wanting more treats. I don't want to create a problem so have avoided hand feeding him. On the other hand, it seems like a good opportunity to get his cooperation if I can just keep him from being a cookie monster.

[kriss10]

Kriss, Yes, Joe is very smart and will do anything to get a treat. But he then gets pushy, wanting more treats. I don't want to create a problem so have avoided hand feeding him. On the other hand, it seems like a good opportunity to get his cooperation if I can just keep him from being a cookie monster.

Yes, there is a fine line between stopping one problem and creating another. Biting and rearing are the two habits I tend to discourage pretty aggressively. I do hand feed my horses, and I don't have any biters. In fact, they are all more gentle about taking food from a hand than one of the dogs.

I used to train for a lady who rescued an old gelding who had the adorable habit of twirling a pigging string. If he didn't have his rope, he would twirl whatever rope he could get hold of (i personally thought the adorable trick became an obsessive coping mechanism when he was being abused/neglected). One day she had a spare leadrope over her shoulder - he grabbed for it but got her breast instead. He danged near ripped it off and she was bruised for weeks from shoulder to waist. So, any "treat" can become a problem if it gets out of hand.

[thecheshirecat]

Good for you for ruling out pain first!
Assuming all proper blood work has been done and exams completed and the various medical conditions that can cause cinchiness have been addressed (especially ulcers), I'd be looking at bodywork as well. In the meantime, if this horse is coming back into work, or being worked more, there is always the concern of saddle fit. I know with my mare, even the slightest change in her topline means nothing fits. I'd also recommend trying other girths/cinches in different materials or shapes. I know a good lot of horses who can't stand neoprene, for example. I've also come across many who, due to their shape, could never be ridden in a "plain" girth and required a specifically contoured girth to be comfortable.
Truth be told, I agree it sounds like a behavioral issue. In my very humble opinion, if you have a horse for whom a short smack is not helpful (be that he be sensitive, hot, or otherwise), refocusing seems to be best. Grumpy with the girth? Cool, now let's do some groundwork, bringing the girth up gradually. As soon as the horse loses focus, change it up. It should be noted as well, it's generally best to tighten loosely while tacking up and finish girthing just before getting on, after the horse has walked. Take a few days and just focus on girthing. Act as if you intend to ride and maybe even hop on for a minute but focus on a calm, happy and obedient horse. Besides which, work in hand (or even plain 'ol groundwork) is fantastic for any horse.

[Joan Deutsch]

Hi Cheshire, Welcome to the forum! Thanks for the great advice. Groundwork is a good way to go.