Training Tip - Fixing The Hard To Catch Horse

Getting Both Eyes

Put your horse in a controlled space, corral, pen or arena. Walk toward her with square shoulders, tall and confident with a deliberate stride. If she moves away from you keep after her using the same body language. When she stops and looks at you with both eyes, stop immediately and turn your back to her.

Body Language

Wait a minute and slowly turn around with a softer frame in your body language. Walk toward her and as long as her feet are still, approach her and put the halter on her. If her feet move, make your body tall, your shoulders square and your step strong. Repeat this until she stands still when you walk up and put the halter on. She will get it.

No Sneaking

Be sure that you are not sneaking up to her. If you feel you need to sneak around your horse you need to do more work. Your sneaking will make your horse nervous because your body language is simulating a predator. On the other hand you don’t want to be tall and square shouldered, your horse will get the idea you want her to move away. So you want to round your shoulders and walk up to her with a more casual stride but not a sneaking stride.

If your horse is still having a catching problem read about “Becoming the Boss Mare”.