| By Heidi
J. Potter
Many of us have owned, ridden or
worked around a “girthy/cinchy”
horse. The behaviors can vary anywhere
from an unfriendly expression to a
dangerous reaction. These horses,
on the whole, are often valuable in
our programs. However, their behavior
on the ground can make them a liability.
Here’s what we need to remember.
Horses are 100% honest and have very
good memories. If they are reacting
negatively, then the problem is real
to them. It is either due to physical
discomfort or the memory of such.
Even when we are able to rid the horse
of the cause, the memory can keep
the behavior alive. Here are some
things to consider when trying to
rebuild their trust and improve their
behavior.
Whenever dealing with a behavior
issue you must first consider that
it could be the result of a physical
issue. Therefore, have your horse
screened for back or wither pain.
A veterinarian, equine chiropractor
or equine massage therapist should
be able to help you out with that.
Secondly, have a knowledgeable person
evaluate the fit of your saddle. Ill-fitting
saddles are often the culprit of many
behavior issues.
Once you have treated or ruled out
any physical causes you are ready
to tackle the behavior. We need to
use positive motivation to reprogram
his mind. Reprimanding him for his
behavior will not fix the problem
and very well may exacerbate it. He
needs to realize that good things
can and will happen during the grooming/tacking
up process. Here a few things to try:
- Rub your horse’s “sweet”
spot while you slowly begin to bring
the girth/cinch up under the belly.
Continue rubbing throughout the
very slow and gentle process of
attaching or tying to the saddle.
Your rubbing touch can help lead
his mind to that area versus the
place that he is worried about.
- Clicker Train your horse. “Click
and treat” while he is demonstrating
a good expression and attitude.
If he pins his ears, swishes his
tail or offers any negative behavior
you will stop the process right
where you are. Do not release the
pressure or position of your hand,
brush, girth/cinch, whatever was
causing the behavior. Just hold
that “pose” and wait
for the behavior to stop, his expression
to soften, ears to prick forward,
etc. and then click and reward him.
We want him to associate the grooming/tacking
up process with something positive.
This way we have a chance of replacing
his negative reaction with the anticipation
of something good. The horse who used
to swing his head around to bite often
becomes the horse who looks around
with ears pricked, anticipating a
reward. Treats are a great motivator!
There has to be something good in
it for the horse in order for him
to want to change his behavior. Although
we cannot delete the memory, we stand
a good chance of replacing his behavior.
As you work through this process be
sure to follow the procedures listed
in my last article, The “Girthy”
or “Cinchy” Horse and
How not to create one!
Lastly, I want to say that correct
timing of the cue (click) and the
reward during this training phase
is imperative. If you are unskilled
at this type of training please enlist
the help of a knowledgeable trainer
to help get you both on the right
track.
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