CATCH
ME IF YOU CAN
By SUSAN DUDASIK
As the
Idaho state representative for the American Trail Horse Association,
(ATHA) many folks ask me why the ATHA’s trail skills test
begins with such a simple thing as haltering your horse, but
after spending two decades around horses, mules, riders and
owners, I fully understand why this is considered an important
step. It’s amazing that so many folks accept the fact that
to ride, they must spend half an hour tricking their equine
into being caught. Having to chase your horse is not only annoying,
it can be dangerous since the horse often considers it a game
and may playfully kick or buck as he runs by you, which is definitely
a lack of respect on his part. Your horse should never, under
any circumstances, be allowed to kick in your direction.
The first
step to catching your horse begins with an attitude change.
No longer are you going to try to catch your horse; he's going
to let you catch him. I don't mean he'll come galloping across
the field at your slightest whistle, although it can advance
to that. I do mean that whenever you approach him, he will turn
to face you and stand still as you walk up to him. He will show
respect by not moving away or disrespectfully turning his rump
toward you.
Begin your
attitude adjustment program with a halter and leadrope. Put
your horse on the lead and when he is standing still, walk to
the end of the lead so you are about even with his rump. Turn
away from him and slightly drop your right shoulder forward,
telling him to "Come in" and begin reeling him toward
you. Praise him when he's at your side. Most likely your horse
will just stand there. At first you might have to settle for
him at least turning his head and looking at you. Praise him
if he does this. The next step is to get him to move his rump
so he is facing you. To do this, take a step toward his rump
and pull his head toward you. As his rump moves away, praise
him, return to your original position and start reeling him
in. Some horses may totally ignore you and look at their pasture
buddies, the cows in the field or the birds on the fence. Don't
tolerate this disrespect, give him a good jerk on the lead and
demand he come to you. If he's pulling this, it's a good sign
that you need to work on both your attitudes. Remember, horses
feel safer with a confident leader. If you whimpily beg him
to come to you, your horse is in charge. If you ask him, then
back it up with a good hard jerk if he doesn't respond, before
long he'll be right at your side with a "Now what, boss?"
attitude. Have you ever noticed how one horse will react in
totally different ways with two people? It's all in the attitude
that the person projects. You need to be confident and in charge.
Do this
several times from both sides and be sure to reward your horse.
Some people like to use treats, others don't. I use them all
the time. Do what you feel most comfortable with. After he's
coming to you on the lead, try putting him on a lunge line and
calling him in from a greater distance. You can also try it
in a stall or small corral but keep the leadrope on as he may
try to stick his head in the corner and just show you his rump,
a dangerous habit. If he does this, be extremely careful. Stand
a safe distance away and call him. If he doesn't come out of
the corner, pull on the lead until he does. Don't sweet talk
him and try to walk up and touch him, just keep pulling and
telling him to "come in" until he faces you. Then
lavish him with praise. If your horse is really bad about this,
it could take an hour or more to get him out of the corner the
first time, but don't give in. He MUST turn to face you. If
he starts to kick, get professional help immediately!
When your
horse is coming to you or at least facing you, you can try him
in the pasture. The first few days, give yourself plenty of
time. Turn him out for a while then try to catch him. If he
runs off, keep walking steadily after him. Don't yell and toss
stuff at him, just be persistent. When he stops, turn away and
call him. If he takes off, walk after him. This game may take
some time. Each time he stops, ask him to come in. He has to
make the choice of coming in for praise or being hounded around
the field. If he's in a spot where you can step in to block
his getaway, try to do so. You may end up doing a reverse of
a cutting horse blocking a cow. If he gets past you, just start
walking after him. Eventually he will stop. Don't sneak up along
side him, he must turn toward you. When he faces you, walk up
and put the halter on and praise him. Never praise or give a
treat until the halter is on. Horses are very bright and can
manage to get the treat before getting caught. Once your horse
is haltered, really shock him, praise him then turn him loose.
Most likely he will stand there with a puzzled look on his face
or follow you back to the barn. Most horses are difficult to
catch because they know most often, it’s just to go to
work. By doing this, your horse will start looking forward to
your pasture visits.
Having
your horse stand and face you is a sign of good training and
respect. It also works in reverse. He shouldn't ever jerk his
head out of the halter and run off. Whenever you turn your horse
loose, he should stand and face you until after you've removed
the halter, stepped back and told him it was o.k. to go. Teaching
manners like this to your horse not only makes him a safe and
dependable companion, it makes the two of you a team. All it
takes is patience, persistence and getting back to the groundwork,
back to basics.
archives
Susan Dudasik
Shadow Rider Equine News
srider@salmoninternet.com
Member: Idaho Press Club
North American Saddle Mule Association
