So miserable - at my wits end

[MyBoyFinn]

After coming down on my face last week he was moved sharpish to a field all by himself in the middle of nowhere, I have done 120 miles since sunday just to feed him. Anyway, I havn't enjoyed this week, for starters I hate the thought of him being out and all alone and I find it scary dealing with him knowing that if anything happens no one would know for hours.

Then, today I went up unpadlocked the gate and went in, the food room is at the end of the shelter about 10 metres from the gate but every time I took a step he tried to block me, shaking his head around and trying to bite me, so I made my self big and shoved at his shoulder and shouted NO..... he reared!!!!!!!!

I went back to the car and bawled!!!!

I am going to buy more food and go back up tonight and put it over the gate.

I cant remember the last time I felt this sad, useless, angry, upset, and I just dont know what to do next......

[black crow]

Oh no!

Do you think getting an RI out might help? It sounds you both really need some help

Big big hugs xxxx

[GR & Me]

Oh no. That sounds awful. It sounds like he is testing his boundaries, unfortuantely hes doing it in a scary way! Avoiding it may make it worse as he knows he can get away with it.

Do you have someone who is experianced with youngsters or horses in general who can come up and help you deal with him, might be better/safer with two tackling the problem????? Not sure what else to suggest but I'm sure you will be shaken up so hope you are okay.

[black crow]

I agree it sounds like he is testing the boundaries, but even still, it can be dangerous if they push it too far.

Sorry for putting RI, i ment RA, Kelly marks reccomended associate, they are brilliant people - the same methods worked for me with a lot of youngsters, so im certain they would be able to help you both if you chose. Where abouts in lincs are you? I think Garry might be closest.. Him getting like this wont do you any good. xx

[MyBoyFinn]

Thank you BC, Kelly Marks book on Perfect Manners is never more than a foot away from me at the moment. I live near Humberside Airport and Finn is currently in Caistor. An RA sounds interesting what does he do? Are we talking loads of money? I need to get this sorted it is on my mind constantly.

[so-n-so]

how old is he?

if hes on his own in a field he will be using you as a play substitute.. horses need to play - like kids really, and if no other horses are around they will usually end up trying to play with their owners.

my big lad vinnie is coming 3 and will do as you have described, hes trying to direct your movements as to say - im moving you, as in the wild the leaders move the other horses.

iv got the kelly marks book and good they are but it really doesnt give you any guidence to dealing with young pushy horses that are in fields etc...

you COULD try - now wait for me getting shot down..... parelli, it may cost a bit to get the inital equipment BUT what price can you put on your life and gaining a bond with your horse???

when your horse is trying to block your path, the driving game would really help you, you can carry on walking and drive his head and neck out of your way, or his whole body with your carrot stick.

my boy is 16hh and him rearing and trying to bite you isnt funny! its naughty and he knows not to, i can usually make him think twice by wiggling my finger at him.. yes wiggling my finger, he would stop and shake his head and walk off as if to say '******!'

good luck in what you decide to do!!!!

[black crow]

Oh my god, where abouts in caistor? the EC center? He's 5/10 minutes from me!

An RA basically uses the same methods Kelly does. They will assess your boy and go through the issues with you. They can then start working with him on their own, or bring you into it to get you both working together. Im certain it would be Garry, but the sessions arent that expensive, i think hes charging around £30 for the first session - go on their website and use the search for an RA, it should tell you who is closest to you and you can go from there..

Really wish i was back in work as horses with issues was the work i loved doing! Grrrrrr

[MyBoyFinn]

So-n-So - He is 9 months old.

BC - His field is up Whitegate Hill.

We did try him with a shetland for company but Finn was too mean to him.

My daughter and I went back to his field at tea time, he stood happily getting a scratch from me at the gate while she went in and sorted his tea he then stood perfectly while she put his head collar back on (its a fieldsafe). "Oh well Mum at least you know its only you he's funny with" she says!!!

Garry Bosworth is my nearest RA - and its my birthday soon

thanks for all your advice/thoughts I was feeling really rubbish