What is the best way to 'punish' my horse without being mean?

Question

When she pushes me around and spins and rears and throws her head to stop me from putting the bit it... what is the best thing to do?

I tried doing really hard ground work, but she acts all freaked out and nervous around me and that doesn't help to edventually put the bit in.

She kicked my farrier and he did nothing but give her a light but firm slap. And he got the job done.

What is the best way to give her *** without being cruel like some people are

Answer 1

Has she been hurt by a overly-harsh bit?
If not, try this....
Use a cotton rope section & slip it into her mouth like a bit.
THen, pull it out.
For some reason, she doesn't trust you with her mouth.
Are her tusks coming in?
Do you tighten the bridle more that "2 wrinkles"?

Answer 2

If you just want advice on how to punish her there are a few ways.

Repeat everything over and over again. Always stop the workout on a good note and go in at it and keep repeating. Most people use no punishment, just constant repeating if the horse doesn't get it.

If you have to slap a rope on her rump or something like that, well you have to and it's okay. As long as you don't beat the crap out of her. Say it is a lead rope you had to punish her with, give her a rub down when she has done right and rub her with the rope.

If you are not an experienced trainer and she is uncontrollable and kicked your farrier, you need to take her to a trainer. Take her to one with a good reputation. Or do a trial period first, she is a danger to you and others. If you can't get her under control and figure out the problem or just how to correct her, you need to get her to a professional before someone really gets hurt.

Answer 3

here are a few things that might be wrong. have you had her teeth floated in the past 8 months? do you have a harsh bit in her mouth or a gentle snaffle? has she been abused in the past?

try a gentle bit on her. a thick snaffle will do the trick. the thinner the bit the harsher it is. also a twist can be very painful for a sensitive mouth.

a light smack on the rump with a stick is not cruel. they give eachother bites in the wild.

try to give her a pasture break for a while. it might help her settle down and get more relaxed. or at least get turned out for a half a day everyday. that will help get some nervous energy out.

have someone hold her when you try to bridle her. put the bridle on over her halter. give a firm tug on the lead rope when she trys to rear.

make sure you have the vet check her over and rule out phisical problems.

Answer 4

I think you need to get back to basics with this mare. Spend quality time building up trust with her, forget about the bit and the work for now - you need a horse to trust you completely before you go any further - sit with her in the stall, brush her, lead her out in hand for a pick of grass whilst all the time talking to her and making contact with her, start somewheres shes comfortable being touched and gradually move up and down along her body. When you build a relationship with her have a small treat behind the bit to encourage her to take it. Just something tiny - that she'll be able to chew whilst the bit is in her mouth. I would also tie a halter around her neck whilst you are trying to bridle her - that will prevent her from spinning. Some horses dont like the sensation of a cold bit either so hold it in your hand for a few moments to warm it up. I also, when cleaning my bits scrub them with a toothbrush and toothpaste - not only does it get em spotless but it leaves a minty taste on the bit which should also entice your mare.
Also - I would get your vet or dentist to check her out. She could have a wolf tooth or something.
Best of luck

Answer 5

first get "punish" out of your head. She is a 1000 LB animal that should be respected. that said find out why! first how old is she!? has she done this before or is this new behavior? do you have a trainer you can trust? When you say "putting the bit" what are you asking her to do? you may not be experienced, but you can still have a great horse. you need to learn that when you are riding you MUST work together. and punishing her is not the way. ( I do use a crop and spurs on occasion) but only after i know my horse understands what I am asking. is this a new horse for you? by the way she is nervous cuz because she knows you are angry and want to force her to do it your way. slow down and work with her. it will pay off i promise. maybe parelli training will help. i rise a spotted draft and he is a rescued horse who will not let anyone but me near him. but I can ride with a halter and lead. don't worry just learn and respect your horse. if you want to the horse will work with you, but you must give it time. good luck

Answer 6

I agree with Niki-Niki.......don't show fear and obviously you are and you are backing down because it wouldn't be a fight every time!
Also look into a different bit. I changed to the kind that don't go in the mouth (can't think of the name) but it works and you won't have to fight every time.

When you are on the horse and they are giving you troubles and acting out a firm slap on the neck shows who is boss without being cruel.

I am going to suggest getting help from someone that is more experienced with horses that can show you the ropes a little bit more. Maybe join 4-H, that's who taught me to break my own horses.

Good luck and stay strong with her!

Answer 7

honestly it depends on the horse.. some horses resond to a gentle touch while others require a firm hand.. also it depends why she is acting a certain way..

is it because she was mishandled before
is it because she was spoilt before and not taught to respect people
is it because she is a mare (hormones)

get professional help or at least a more knowledgeable horse person
taking the wrong advice here will make things worse

*if its hormonal there are feed suppliments you can get..

Answer 8

ANIMALS, JUST LIKE HUMANS, RESPOND TO A CARING NATURE MORE THAN TO ANY SORT OF PUNISHMENT. IF THIS IS A LONG STANDING PROBLEM, IT WILL TAKE A LOT OF PATIENCE ON YOUR PART. YOU MUST FIRST GAIN THE HORSES CONFIDENCE AND RESPECT. THIS CAN TAKE A LONG TIME. USE APPLES AND CARROTS AS A REWARD. THE ANIMAL WILL RESPOND TO FOOD BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE, AND YOU WILL START TO HAVE A WAY TO BE ACCEPTED BY HIM. TAKE IT SLOW AND DO NOT SHOW ANY FEAR OF THE ANIMAL, EVEN IF YOU ARE AFRAID. SEE THE HORSE ON A VERY FREQUENT BASIS, THE MORE EFFORT YOU PUT INTO THIS THE QUICKER YOU WILL SE A CHANGE IN HIS BEHAVIOR. LET A VET SEE THE ANIMAL, TO SEE IF THERE MAY BE A MEDICAL REASON FOR HIS BEHAVIOR. HE MAY BE IN PAIN, OR JUST TIRED. LOVE DOES CONQUER ALL! lAUGH IF YOU MUST, BUT IT IS THE TRUTH! NIKI

Answer 9

If she is all freaked out about the bit, then maybe she needs more time to adjust to the bit. It is an unnatural piece of equipment you are trying to force onto her. She may not like it and by punishing her, you may be doing more harm than good. What if someone wanted to punish you because you did not want to do something.

Answer 10

You need to be punished. You have no idea at all about horses or what you are doing. Go get some help. People that have no business with a horse get under my skin.