More On Respect

by Karen Tharp on 09/08/11

Hello everyone Hope you are doing great!  Life is going great, I'm still working with Mason.  I have been ground driving him.  He has decided that he doesn't need to back up.

He has decided that he's a barrel horse and shouldn't have to back, so I have decided to take him back to the basics.   I round penned him, starting with the basic ground work .

Then to his disgrace he has a tie down on, a girt strap, and driving reins.  Mason has never been a rearer, but I have recently seen a new side to him.  After being worked last night he now backs, walks, turns and stops on command.

I have had Mason for 12 years, this goes to show that it doesn't matter how long you have had a horse, many time you may have to start them back at the basics to regain their respect.

I'm guessing with Mason I lost his respect when I was away for a while.  Then When I got back he was very ill.  Whatever the reason, always remember you can't win a fight with a horse.  So if you see signs of disrespect, go back to the basics and regain their respect.

I have another question I'd like to share with you:

Question:

Hi Karen,

I have been reading your blog and I was wondering if you could give me some advice.

I have a 6 year old gelding who was only broken in the summer of last year.  Its a very slow process. My main problem with him is that he tries to bully me.

He rears and tries to scare me, when we are going forward he would stop and refuse to go on. he is making me very nervous. HELP

Susanne Stafford

My Answer:

Hi Susanne,
Your problem is a common one.

I'm impressed that you recognize what your horse is doing to you. Many riders seem to never have a clue.

Anyway, the root of your horse's belligerent attitude is that he doesn't respect you.

He's testing your authority. He sees no reason why he should cooperate. After all, nothing unpleasant is happening to him for exhibiting his bad behavior.

You need to apply some discipline to get him to understand that you expect him to be good. He needs to realize there is a price to pay for bullying you around.

First, you need to make him behave and do exactly what you want on the ground. If he gives you any attitude or refuses to try, discipline him.

Once he has respect for your authority on the ground, it will be much easier to get him to do what you want when you are on his back.