stubborn, stubborn, stubborn baby

[Just Jolene]

Four weeks ago, I had a sweet, obedient little gent who could be lead to and fro by a preschooler ad infinitum. Today, in that same stall is some wicked creature who only knows one gear: "park".

If he spoke human, he'd say "you can't make me", even to his own detriment. Today, he had the chance to go out and play in the sunshine on my luch break, and instead stood in the barn door and "parked" there. This is a daily occurence lately. He might take a few steps, but then stops. Hell, cars can drive around him, dogs can bark at him, he just stands there. I've tried everything: getting behind his shoulder, annoying him, etc etc The only thing that even works a little is the desperate two-man "gate crew" move, which will surely (literally!) backfire on me someday.

Anyone had this sort of trouble before? His gelding appointment was set for this afternoon; but has been postponed due to vet emergency.

Ask Cardi Corgi or JayBird...he honestly was a perfectly trained little guy not too long ago! I'm glad I have witnesses! ;D

I know he isn't ailing, because by the time I get him out to a paddock he's happy as a lark, bucking, kicking, running. He has six week interval farrier appointments and has great feet.

Any suggestions?

[diamondindykin]

Just give him time He will come out of it. My Whiskey was a monster most of the time and then all of a sudden he turned into a wonderful, well mannered boy. They go through phases like kids do.................If he was well mannered before I am sure that he will come around especially with those little balls coming off soon

[jaybird]

this is sweet little Bop we're talking about?? I can hardly believe it! ;D

[Just Jolene]

jaybird said:

this is sweet little Bop we're talking about?? I can hardly believe it! ;D

Well, the "Blitz Bits" were removed yesterday afternoon. Let's hope that helps things! ;D

[cardicorgi]

Ahhh, Jolene, Blitz sure has attitude! Congrats to you, and my condolences to Blitz's bits...

Can you get him to back up when he refuses to go forward?

If he continues to "park" let me know, and I'll tell you what I learned to do for that kind of resistance. ;D It involves, well, a plastic bag on a stick , a lead rope, halter, and a bit of footwork on your part...

[Just Jolene]

cardicorgi said:

Ahhh, Jolene, Blitz sure has attitude! Congrats to you, and my condolences to Blitz's bits...

Can you get him to back up when he refuses to go forward?

If he continues to "park" let me know, and I'll tell you what I learned to do for that kind of resistance. ;D It involves, well, a plastic bag on a stick , a lead rope, halter, and a bit of footwork on your part...

I went to the Dr. Andy Anderson trailering seminar in Aurora a couple/few years back, and he uses the bag-stick trick for difficult loaders. I think that might be a good route to go. Of course, the last time I got really "irritating" with him, he just turned around and nipped me

We did make it out to a paddock a lot quicker this morning. I've placed him next to some OTTBs so he can get some exercise. In retrospect, I don't think I thought through the whole gelding thing enough. He's supposed to be exercised 2x daily, but by the time I leave for work + by the time I get home, it's dark!

Hopefully "the boys" will run him around enough today!

[jaybird]

perhaps you could beat on the brat with a baseball bat?

[Just Jolene]

jaybird said:

perhaps you could beat on the brat with a baseball bat?

LMAO!

[jaybird]

(I'm just waiting for word to get around that Jaybird from SAFE advocates violent corporal punishment with sporting equipment for naughty yearlings....)

[fancyherd@gala's]

well - food is always a wonderful magically motivator -you know in case the bat thing fails......

[Just Jolene]

gala said:

well - food is always a wonderful magically motivator -you know in case the bat thing fails......

Can you believe food means nothing to him in this situation? Not his sweet grain, not his NickerMakers treats, nothing motivates him. It's nuts!

We're trying to work it out of him...yesterday morning I just stood there, looking away, around the arena...anywhere but at him. Eventually he got bored of that, and started walking.

[fancyherd@gala's]

Not even NICKER MAKERS??!!!- whoa...you got a problem! LOL. He sounds like he has a good mind and that's a good thing. he'll be lots of fun (too funny!)