Problem Horses
The main specialty of this yard is retraining a whole range of problem horses. From unadulterated aggression to pure panic. Knapping, rearing, bucking and generally backward thinking to the opposite – running away, panicing or bolting.
Problem horses come from the physically damaged to the mentally scarred. Un-handleable on the ground or unsafe to ride.
We also deal with retraining horses after road traffic accidents, and rehabilitating those who have suffered from injury and have remembered pain issues.
An owner learning to long rein their horse. Our problem horses come from all over the country and invariably fall into one of the three following categories:
- They are in pain.
- They have known pain.
- They expect pain.
Learning your horse
Dental problems, back pain, muscle damage and the results of ill-fitting tack may be part of the cause. These will be identified quickly.
The training ethos we adopt is of quiet repetition, backed up by positive reinforcement. A patient approach reinforced by a wealth of knowledge and authority. Occasionally a head on confrontation is required- when this happens, reverse pressure techniques are adopted, always with remarkable results.
A psychological approach is always needed to get to understand the mental make-up of each horse. Therefore we will learn where his fears or fright actually stem from, giving us our way forward.
Non-habitual reactions from handlers allow horses to make decisions. Correct decisions are praised and comfort is given. Incorrect decisions i.e their habitually bad behaviour, reverse pressure techniques are then applied. The horse's decision is therefore to make the right decision and be given comfort. It is a nice place to be. Ultimately it is the place they always choose to be.
Many Western and natural horsemanship techniques work very well with problem horses, especially complicated cases. Easing and eradicating stress turns untrainable horses into compliant and happy animals, at ease with both their handlers and their environment.
Problems Backing a Horse
Sometimes, it is not always easy to determine what the route cause of a problem horse may be. Even if you know your horse like your best friend, you may need a trained professional to help determine the route cause and fix it. Melanie will quickly determine whether your Horse problem is dental, medical, or psychological and therefore use the correct technique to re train your horse. Whether your Horse problems are due to being in pain, expecting pain, or known pain, Melanie will find the route of the problem.. Melanie Provides help and Advice any horse problems you may have, these may include Backing a horse, or simply loading a horse into your trailer.
