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  Discussion on 3 year old kicks with front hoof
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Member:
Suef

Posted on Friday, Mar 11, 2005 - 8:20 pm:

My three year old Gelding recently has been kicking at me with his front hoof when I try to handle his head or put his bridle on him. He pulls his head back and then tries striking me. The only change I can think of that's making him aggressive is that we got a new pony a few months ago and she is very dominant around him.Any suggestions would be welcomed.
Member:
Contilli

Posted on Saturday, Mar 12, 2005 - 7:30 am:

This is definitely a behavior which is spawned by playmates. Bitie face, nip the tush and striking are just a few. You need to regain your 'heard leader' status immediately. How have you been reprimanding him?

Denise
www.BryantFarm.com
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Saturday, Mar 12, 2005 - 12:18 pm:

Sue the article associated with this forum if full of suggestions for handling aggression in horses. Have you tried them?
DrO
Member:
Ajudson1

Posted on Thursday, Mar 17, 2005 - 8:14 am:

Sue,

I started a post under "Flinging Front Feet For Farrier" awhile back. Lots of good ideas were presented there which would give you some ideas for your situation, as well as Dr O's suggestion to read the article for handling aggression.

Although my farrier hasn't been out for awhile, I have been having great success with my gelding. Farrier is due next week, so we'll see how it goes.

I finally resorted to smacking his leg everytime he tried to throw it out. Used riding crop, told him "NO", and went back to picking up his foot. No anger, just matter-0f-fact, step by step. This isn't what you are asking about I realize but I am wondering if you can pick up his feet? My guess is this attitude of his affects all of his handling.

I think you need to establish some bounderies, and work on getting his head down. Lot's of rubbing his head, face, poll. I started out standing on a bale of hay, protected myself that way. Plus he's really tall and I am Not!!! Now he lowers his head nicely for his rub and has forgotten about throwing his feet out.

Also are you sure his teeth aren't hurting him? Did he have an eye injury or head injury ever? Always check for anything causing him pain that is resulting in aggression.

I think treating pure aggression is different than treating his acting out due to pain or fear. So I'd spend some time doing different things. In other words don't smack him if he's reacting from some fear.

Remember, different strokes for different folks, er,um, horses that is.

Most of all, don't get yourself hurt.

Angie
Member:
Suef

Posted on Thursday, Mar 17, 2005 - 7:59 pm:

Hi all-
I'll check out the aggression articles that Dr. O mentioned and the flinging front feet for farrier because he has done that before too. He's headshy and I've been trying to work on that too. I had a bad experience with my mare (I ended up selling her last year). She bolted on me and I fell onto some rocks, ended up in the ER nothing serious thank goodness just bruised and now nervous around horses as a result. I need to get my confidence back because I think it's affected my horses. He doesn't have any injuries or bad teeth. Did have a virus awhile back with runny crusty eyes that we cleared up.
Thank you all for the advice I'll check it out.

Sue
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