Horse chases in roundpen?

Question

Hi,
So here is the problem, my horse starts chasing you as soon as you're in the roundpen and trying to get him going with the whip. He jums up, and starts coming on you, the whole challenging game. People keep saying that i have to smack him till he stops doing it and starts going in the pen, but i think there might be a better solution?

Answer 1

I don't think you should hit him with the whip, but can you POINT it at him? That's how I kept my horse to the outside.

There are lots and lots of books and tapes about working in round pens. Perhaps something like that will help you.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Hi,

If this behavior only happens in the round pen than there's something about the whole round pen situation that's bothering him. Maybe he's scared, not sure what you want him to do, Etc..
Here's a couple of ideas. First spend a few days or longer with him in that pen not lounging him. Pet him, feed him get him to relax. Once you see he that he's relaxed each time you enter (this might take time) put him on a lounge line but don't hold it all the way out. Stay behind his shoulder and step forward which should make him move, if not push him a little in that shoulder and tap his hind end. Go slow and easy make this fun for him. This could be two things he's anticipating hating the process for some reason or he is not respecting you at all.
If it's respect you need to gain some so he knows running at you is not allowed. If he ever does it again after you tried keeping him calm spend some time making him back up and standing still. If he moves at all make him back up 5 steps again and keep repeating that process. Horses do not like to back up if they do not have to so they have to respect you to do it.
Another thought is maybe something hurts on him and lounging causes it to hurt. If all else fails have the Vet out to take a look just to make sure.
Good luck.

Answer 3

Perhaps your horsies previous owner beat him. First LOSE THE WHIP. Use a lead rope or a tin can with rocks in it. Nest...sounds like your horse has alot of energy, try putting him in a turnout where he can run and buck prior to round pen work. It will calm him down enough to focus. I'm guessing that he doesn't have horses in with him where he can play, so now he wants to play with you. Horses who live in stalls with his kind of energy and are put immeadiately into a round pen are going to act up for sure. Chasing is definately a dominating gesture. So is a horse that rubs against you. If he trys chasing you wave your arms and jump out at his screaming aarrgh. It will shock him just like if you were horse and bit him for invading your territory. While free lounging get a little behind him and chase him. Horses imitate movement. If you are slow, the horse will slow down If you run in a circle the horse keeps up. He could be nervous being n a pen that he doesn't spend much time around. Try turning him out inside and leave him some carrots in there. He will associate the corral as a good place to be. Ok, Good luck. Remember, traditional stuff like holding a whip arn't for every horse. Do what ever works for you and your pal. And reward him when he does things right. He will be happier and want to work with you if he knows you apprecaite his efforts.

Answer 4

he "Im bigger than you game", as i call it, is common. I amthinking your horse is mid age, not young maybe about 10?? As this age, liek teens, they become dominant, if you watch foals and babies taling to other older horses, they gum them, this is saying that they are lower and the bigger horse is bigger and ore dominant.

My gelding did this, and bnow he doesn't, or atleast not taht often. It also had something to do with my inexperience before, but i have improved and so has he. Any way, start by having two poeple, you should always have someone else watching in case something happens. So, one person outside and two inside, you hold teh lunge and whip and the other person hlds his head and keeps him on the outside circle. You guide him and tell him what to do, the other person is there to keep him at taht position. Trot will be more difficult, so make sure taht you can get out if need be. The second person whould also be out. You lunge and if he runs at you, flick the whip at his nose, you need to teahc him that you are bigger, it may feel the opposite, but its a game, and should be played equally. He thinks he's bigger, but you need to pretend you are. On the lead if you walk with him, make sure that he listens, you may need to use a chain or a ship while walking with him. Make him stop and start exactly when you say. But dont make him edgy!!!

If he galloips around, slow him to a canter, he can run, but YOU make him, if he stops, keep him going, you want him to respond to YOU, dont let him kae the choices, when your ready say woah, and when he stops, you stand and wait, dont look into his eyes, look at his shoulder, this will indicate if he's going to charge again. He should then lick his lips, this means taht he has accepted the training. Reward him with a pat, but you walk to him, if you bring him in, he may think taht he will get preasied if he come sinto you.

Only lunge for about 15 mins, both directions with a warm up and cool donw. Reward and praise, but dont baby him. It may take a few weeks, but he'll learn

I hoep this helps

If you need any more help, just email me, and ill be glad to help out.

Answer 5

Smack the whip on the ground and stare him down. Make yourself look like you're mad at him, it's all about body language. You probably won't have to even touch him with the whip if you do it right, but if you need to just flick it at him so that it just lightly taps him. It won't hurt him, it's just a reminder that you're in charge.