You made some really great points in this video. Your explanation about why one would possibly strike when popped on the shoulder due to their blind spot there was spot on. Thanks for these learning opportunities for all of us.
I would also like to see that, as after 6 months of trying various humane methods, my mare still does that to me! And I emphasis humane, because I believe one can be firm without being mean - just like Colton did there, not strong-arming, just gentle reminders. That's what I would like to achieve (and see results for once! Lol!) And I should mention, my horse does that to just about anyone who leads her, not just me.
Just got a BLM mustang two months ago and trying to teach myself how to get her to lead properly. This is the ticket to begin properly. She halters easily now but I'm just starting to lead and got stuck. Thanks Colton. Very clear instructions.
Thanks for the video. I really need to work on this with my pushy mare, so I appreciate it and will practice this. I wish your mare would have argued with you more about it, she was very responsive to your polite asking. If you need ideas for more problems, how about horses that pull away before being released to go into the pasture.
So my four year old is really dismissive when I'm working with her, sometimes disrespectful. She only sometimes stays out of my space because of habit, not because she respects me. It seems like with stuff like this, my presence is unbothering, so she doesn't feel the need to back up if I move towards her. What do you suggest to gain her attention and respect? Thank you!!
Thank you very helpful! My guy is delightful and responsive with groundwork in his paddock not when leading out to the round pen, he gets worried and escalated quickly to pulling away then bolting.
A horse (not mine but one I often interact with) gets very close and puts her head over my shoulder not while leading but while I am for example in their pasture to mock out. (Its a 24 hour pasture btw so there's no time where theres no horses but they have more than enough space not to be up in mine). She's young (3yo) but also quite large (17h) so it's hard to "push back" by just leaning on her and she doesn't have the training. If anyone got an example on how to make the horse respect your space like that I'd (and I'm sure future owners) appreciate it.
In a pasture/herd situation it is CRUCIAL to be able to get horses to move where you want them to go and away from you purely from a safety aspect. All it takes is getting caught between 2 horses that feel they need to kick, bit, etc and you could end up hurt or worse really quickly. The age and height of a horse is insignificant to being able to move them when they are loose in a field. We need to understand the drivelines horses have so we can create energy in our bodies & intention with clear and concise body language to get the horses to move where we need them to go. I'd highly recommend you dive into the Round Pen & Ground Work videos we have created- these dive into being able to influence a horse based on body posture, energy, consistency and clarity in communication. You can do this with all horses that are loose in a field. www.videos.coltonwoodshorsemanship.com
I have a horse that is very nippy. Constantly in my space and does quick nips while grooming or leading. Also my horse will be cool while on trail act like all is good then all of a sudden kick the horse near by.
..I have the problem of the shoulder getting towards me before I can correct the 'not stopping' when leading. It becomes a BIG deal by then to get the shoulder away and proper space between us,, nothing is 'subtle' at this point.
Question: What’s the best approach with a horse that’s pushy within its stall before having a halter and lead rope on him? He crowds the door and pushes as soon as I open it. He is sweet and begging for cuddles, but I don’t want this to become a habit or turn dangerous. Do I just waive the rope in front of him until he backs up and waits for me to enter?
Hey Jen- If I approach a stall door and the horse is already waiting and mentally pushing (anticipating going out), then I may use my own energy or even reinforce my own energy with a flag, lead rope or anything I may have handy to get that horse to back away from the door. I do this same thing when I enter a field to catch horses in the pasture or even at feeding time. Once they've backed away from the door if they come hustling back, I'll drive them back again, I'm really looking for them to back away and relax, wait and be present in the moment. A horse that waits anxiously at a stall door or gate is thinking about where they are heading next and because they cant get there due to the gate/door, they grow anxious and exhibit other behaviors that are typically less than desirable. So it's key we not necessarily teach just patience but we consistently reinforce the joy that comes from living in the present moment which horses truly enjoy. So during the whole process from approaching the stall door, entering, haltering, leading, etc. I am consistently working with my horse to reside in a mental state of relaxation and presence. The physical part can look something like a horse that softly backs up as you enters the stall, they're relaxed, present, focused on you, they're happy and not anxiously anticipating whats coming next. They'll follow your lead, not rushing over the top of you or even past you. They're right there with you in each step. When you walk they walk, when you stop they stop. Thats the vision for how our horses can and ought to be. How we get to that depends on each horse, however the process is simple and is applicable to every horse.
I have a horse that is easily spooked. He doesn't like me things and can be dangerous with his reactions. He rears, pushes into my space and runs. This year he has learned how to halter, fly spray and blanketing. I have minimal experience teaching manners and ground work. How do I get him to do what I want when he refuses?
Great video, I have been trying to teach my young gybsy cob to back away from a distance but he just walks towards me instead when I use this method. So what do I do then ? He is very good at backing up when I am close to him. Should also mention that I am scared of training him wrong so I don’t begin exersises that I am unsure of. He is almost 2 years old 😊
Give this exercise a try! Utilizing a driving pressure versus a bump has been my go to in create distance between us and our horses. It translates really well into many other aspects of our ground work as well as under saddle :) ruclips.net/video/l_NqYohFAxI/видео.html
I have a huge question. I have a 5 year old gelding… & I’m now scared of him as he used to have epm .. he just finished treatment and is now a much more excited “wild” horse. Well. I’m terrified to even walk with him now. He pops his head up above me and pulls the lead rope out of my hand. I end up getting scared and having someone help me put him up. He does not listen to me, and I love him. He is sweet. But if he wants to do something he is not afraid to kick at me. I need help ASAP!
Lexi, glad you were able to get his EPM treated, we have had several horses over the years come to us for training after having battled EPM. What you're needing help with is really establishing basic ground manners & expectations with him through clear, concise and consistent communication- which should be there regardless of having EPM or not. A horse that is easy to be around and manage is a horse that is enjoyable and can be well taken care of their entire life. All of my foundation ground work exercises are done on a longer loose lead rope to give you enough space to stay safe. These are exactly the exercises I would do with him if you brought him to a clinic or sent him for training. Also I would recommend the round pen series if you have access to a round pen which is a great place to start. Here is the link, you can post questions directly on any of the videos there as well as in the Facebook Community group for further help with your guy! www.videos.coltonwoodshorsemanship.com
I’d also recommend checking out the 5 part ground work exercise series we have in this same playlist to help deepen his education of being able to move parts of his body independently before moving on to the colt starting specifics. Best of luck on your journey :)
My horse just dont want to move when i try to lead her ... I dont know what to do , she is kinda hard to catch and she does not want to except the bit and she is very fast forward when i actually get her to move when i lead her
I’d first determine what’s the goal. Is the goal to improve the ground manners? Is the goal to enjoy spending time with her? Either are acceptable we just need to be clear about our why and our intentions. If it’s a skills based goal then I’d spend the time necessary to help achieve noticeable improvement that day. That could take 10minutes, it could take 2hrs. If the goal is to enjoy spending time with her, then I’d certainly say go spend the time you want with the mare. And while you do so if she becomes tiresome of the interactions then ask yourself does she have legit reason to be ‘over it’ because you’ve been grooming her for 3hrs for example. If she does have legit reason for being agitated then I’d ask myself ‘how can I be less annoying?’ That may mean changing what I’m doing or actually just being done for the day cause she’s over it. I don’t want this to be misunderstood- just because a horse gets upset doesn’t mean we should stop. That’s somewhat common sense, it takes discernment, but I’ve learned common sense isn’t so common some days. Main thing is the quality of our interactions with our horses should meet their needs and ours. It’s a partnership. We must be mindful of them physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. And we’d like them to be mindful of us as well.
I start with this exercise here which helps us gain more influence over the horse’s shoulders. Then once they understand to yield the shoulders, I’ll use the same approach except from a leading position. Here’s the exercise I’m referring to: How to ruclips.net/p/PLBOt0KDCO8pRssxWWVMl1d_ks6BZ28j2N
I dont push into my horses. The vast majority of the time when you push into a horse physically they will lean back, so I avoid creating that situation all together and use other approaches like I show in that video below. I'd recommend this video here which is a more recent one I've done. ruclips.net/video/l_NqYohFAxI/видео.html
I always start with teaching them to halter well first, then can even bridle them with the halter on and then transition to bridling them as we'd expect a well educated horse to. Haltering Video: ruclips.net/video/vytWGutGF9c/видео.html We have a bridling video and many other resources to help in our video library as well for anyone interested. www.videos.coltonwoodshorsemanship.com
I have a horse that I'm having trouble getting to lunge he won't get off me and just circles me while I try to send him out. I've tried with the lunge line and free lunging and nothing. He's not spooky at all I can tap him anywhere with the lunge whip and he doesn't do anything. He can be pretty pushy in general will step on your feet if you don't watch him. I'm not sure if he's being lazy or doesn't understand what I'm asking or both. Any suggestions? I definitely want to use the steps in this video for the pushyness but could that help with sending him out also and getting him going in a lunge?
Having a sequence that you consistently repeat when asking him to move his hips, shoulders, back up, etc is super important so he can take responsibility for getting prepared to do whatever you’re asking him to do. This method certainly works however I have since improved as changed my approach to this situation. I’d recommend our Video Library, it’ll guide you through step by step how to get him more responsive and has specific exercises so you can get him moving around you the way you’d like. www.videos.coltonwoodshorsemanship.com
Good video. Question: my mare likes to line up with my shoulder, then press in toward me. I usually respond with a quick push on her neck, then circle her. But a few feet later she goes right back to crowding. Will your backing up exercise work with this?
my issue is different i ride a really nervous horse that doesnt like it if i walk away she wont let anyone new touch her as well she will hide behind me like a little kid if some new she has went threw a horse stall and tried to jump threw a trailer window she has ignored other people that she knows ridding her and has taking them threw the arena then the barn will come to me and just stand there with her should on my lower back on a 45 degree angle all i am doing in this vid is just backing up toward the barn door ruclips.net/video/lCLU9aP5hKs/видео.html
has never been lunged in 4 year but don't think that would has anything to do with it as her behaver changed after she got hurt tore tendon exposed bone she is healed now
It is our job as humans- who have brought horses into our own world- to ensure they have the education and skills necessary to where they can be happy and safe in the environment we require them to live within.
I love how chill the cat is. Hangin' out with horses!
Oh yes, Mayhem loves being a part of the action 🎥
One of the few trainers that actually explain and break down why you should and shouldn’t do things. Great videos
Thanks Leya, glad you’re getting a lot out of them!
I love the cat is just watching/judging 😅
Watching and judging is her expertise lol
Excellent video, thank you. I am working with an 18 month sassy filly and this will really help going forward. Happy Trails!
My guy's sideburns have big Amish vibes X'D Great video!
You made some really great points in this video. Your explanation about why one would possibly strike when popped on the shoulder due to their blind spot there was spot on. Thanks for these learning opportunities for all of us.
I would really like to see you work with an uncooperative horse who insists upon crowding or passing when leading.
I would also like to see that, as after 6 months of trying various humane methods, my mare still does that to me! And I emphasis humane, because I believe one can be firm without being mean - just like Colton did there, not strong-arming, just gentle reminders. That's what I would like to achieve (and see results for once! Lol!) And I should mention, my horse does that to just about anyone who leads her, not just me.
How to get your Horse to Back Up Out of your Space SAFELY! | [Backing Up an Anxious and Pushy Horse]
ruclips.net/video/l_NqYohFAxI/видео.html
Yes! My horse pays no attention to me; I need to see someone training a horse that doesn't listen.
Just got a BLM mustang two months ago and trying to teach myself how to get her to lead properly. This is the ticket to begin properly. She halters easily now but I'm just starting to lead and got stuck. Thanks Colton. Very clear instructions.
You’re very welcome! Best of luck with your mare!
This was a great explanation! Thank you very much for the video. I'm going to work with my horse on this!
You’re very welcome!
Great advice! Thank you. 8:52
Thanks for the video. I really need to work on this with my pushy mare, so I appreciate it and will practice this. I wish your mare would have argued with you more about it, she was very responsive to your polite asking. If you need ideas for more problems, how about horses that pull away before being released to go into the pasture.
do you have a video explain how keep the horse from walking directly behind you?
So helpful! Thank you so much
You’re very welcome!
So my four year old is really dismissive when I'm working with her, sometimes disrespectful. She only sometimes stays out of my space because of habit, not because she respects me. It seems like with stuff like this, my presence is unbothering, so she doesn't feel the need to back up if I move towards her. What do you suggest to gain her attention and respect? Thank you!!
Great video and your explanations made so much sense.
Glad you found them helpful!
Thank you very helpful! My guy is delightful and responsive with groundwork in his paddock not when leading out to the round pen, he gets worried and escalated quickly to pulling away then bolting.
You’re very welcome!
Good video. I learned some good tips. Thanks.
You’re very welcome
A horse (not mine but one I often interact with) gets very close and puts her head over my shoulder not while leading but while I am for example in their pasture to mock out. (Its a 24 hour pasture btw so there's no time where theres no horses but they have more than enough space not to be up in mine). She's young (3yo) but also quite large (17h) so it's hard to "push back" by just leaning on her and she doesn't have the training. If anyone got an example on how to make the horse respect your space like that I'd (and I'm sure future owners) appreciate it.
In a pasture/herd situation it is CRUCIAL to be able to get horses to move where you want them to go and away from you purely from a safety aspect. All it takes is getting caught between 2 horses that feel they need to kick, bit, etc and you could end up hurt or worse really quickly. The age and height of a horse is insignificant to being able to move them when they are loose in a field. We need to understand the drivelines horses have so we can create energy in our bodies & intention with clear and concise body language to get the horses to move where we need them to go. I'd highly recommend you dive into the Round Pen & Ground Work videos we have created- these dive into being able to influence a horse based on body posture, energy, consistency and clarity in communication. You can do this with all horses that are loose in a field. www.videos.coltonwoodshorsemanship.com
Quick question, my horse Millie is very sensitive around her back legs. What do I do?
I have a horse that is very nippy. Constantly in my space and does quick nips while grooming or leading. Also my horse will be cool while on trail act like all is good then all of a sudden kick the horse near by.
..I have the problem of the shoulder getting towards me before I can correct the 'not stopping' when leading. It becomes a BIG deal by then to get the shoulder away and proper space between us,, nothing is 'subtle' at this point.
Question: What’s the best approach with a horse that’s pushy within its stall before having a halter and lead rope on him? He crowds the door and pushes as soon as I open it. He is sweet and begging for cuddles, but I don’t want this to become a habit or turn dangerous. Do I just waive the rope in front of him until he backs up and waits for me to enter?
Hey Jen- If I approach a stall door and the horse is already waiting and mentally pushing (anticipating going out), then I may use my own energy or even reinforce my own energy with a flag, lead rope or anything I may have handy to get that horse to back away from the door. I do this same thing when I enter a field to catch horses in the pasture or even at feeding time. Once they've backed away from the door if they come hustling back, I'll drive them back again, I'm really looking for them to back away and relax, wait and be present in the moment. A horse that waits anxiously at a stall door or gate is thinking about where they are heading next and because they cant get there due to the gate/door, they grow anxious and exhibit other behaviors that are typically less than desirable. So it's key we not necessarily teach just patience but we consistently reinforce the joy that comes from living in the present moment which horses truly enjoy. So during the whole process from approaching the stall door, entering, haltering, leading, etc. I am consistently working with my horse to reside in a mental state of relaxation and presence. The physical part can look something like a horse that softly backs up as you enters the stall, they're relaxed, present, focused on you, they're happy and not anxiously anticipating whats coming next. They'll follow your lead, not rushing over the top of you or even past you. They're right there with you in each step. When you walk they walk, when you stop they stop. Thats the vision for how our horses can and ought to be. How we get to that depends on each horse, however the process is simple and is applicable to every horse.
I have a horse that is easily spooked. He doesn't like me things and can be dangerous with his reactions. He rears, pushes into my space and runs. This year he has learned how to halter, fly spray and blanketing. I have minimal experience teaching manners and ground work. How do I get him to do what I want when he refuses?
Great video, I have been trying to teach my young gybsy cob to back away from a distance but he just walks towards me instead when I use this method. So what do I do then ? He is very good at backing up when I am close to him. Should also mention that I am scared of training him wrong so I don’t begin exersises that I am unsure of. He is almost 2 years old 😊
Give this exercise a try! Utilizing a driving pressure versus a bump has been my go to in create distance between us and our horses. It translates really well into many other aspects of our ground work as well as under saddle :)
ruclips.net/video/l_NqYohFAxI/видео.html
Thank you, I’ll try that😊 You’re very good at what you do 😊👍
You’re welcome, and thank you very much! Glad you’re finding the videos helpful :)
Exactly my problem
What if that makes them rear, the pressure from the rope or jerk on the nose?
I have a huge question. I have a 5 year old gelding… & I’m now scared of him as he used to have epm .. he just finished treatment and is now a much more excited “wild” horse. Well. I’m terrified to even walk with him now. He pops his head up above me and pulls the lead rope out of my hand. I end up getting scared and having someone help me put him up. He does not listen to me, and I love him. He is sweet. But if he wants to do something he is not afraid to kick at me. I need help ASAP!
Lexi, glad you were able to get his EPM treated, we have had several horses over the years come to us for training after having battled EPM. What you're needing help with is really establishing basic ground manners & expectations with him through clear, concise and consistent communication- which should be there regardless of having EPM or not. A horse that is easy to be around and manage is a horse that is enjoyable and can be well taken care of their entire life.
All of my foundation ground work exercises are done on a longer loose lead rope to give you enough space to stay safe. These are exactly the exercises I would do with him if you brought him to a clinic or sent him for training. Also I would recommend the round pen series if you have access to a round pen which is a great place to start. Here is the link, you can post questions directly on any of the videos there as well as in the Facebook Community group for further help with your guy! www.videos.coltonwoodshorsemanship.com
@@Coltonwoodshorsemanship thank you so so much! What state are you based out of?
Kentucky
How do you get the horse to be one foot to the side of you while leading. My horse will stay back but not off to the side
How do you deal with a horse that bites
She's a three yrold
I'm breaking in a 4 year old gelding he doesnt respect my space and if I ask him to back off he nips or rears 😅 thank you for your video😊
I’d also recommend checking out the 5 part ground work exercise series we have in this same playlist to help deepen his education of being able to move parts of his body independently before moving on to the colt starting specifics.
Best of luck on your journey :)
My horse just dont want to move when i try to lead her ... I dont know what to do , she is kinda hard to catch and she does not want to except the bit and she is very fast forward when i actually get her to move when i lead her
I'm a new beginner with my horse she is 14 yrs old has pretty good manners question is how much time do u spend with her a day
I’d first determine what’s the goal. Is the goal to improve the ground manners? Is the goal to enjoy spending time with her? Either are acceptable we just need to be clear about our why and our intentions.
If it’s a skills based goal then I’d spend the time necessary to help achieve noticeable improvement that day. That could take 10minutes, it could take 2hrs.
If the goal is to enjoy spending time with her, then I’d certainly say go spend the time you want with the mare. And while you do so if she becomes tiresome of the interactions then ask yourself does she have legit reason to be ‘over it’ because you’ve been grooming her for 3hrs for example. If she does have legit reason for being agitated then I’d ask myself ‘how can I be less annoying?’ That may mean changing what I’m doing or actually just being done for the day cause she’s over it.
I don’t want this to be misunderstood- just because a horse gets upset doesn’t mean we should stop. That’s somewhat common sense, it takes discernment, but I’ve learned common sense isn’t so common some days.
Main thing is the quality of our interactions with our horses should meet their needs and ours. It’s a partnership. We must be mindful of them physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. And we’d like them to be mindful of us as well.
This is so helpful. Thank you! How do you get the horse to walk to the side rather than directly behind?
I start with this exercise here which helps us gain more influence over the horse’s shoulders. Then once they understand to yield the shoulders, I’ll use the same approach except from a leading position.
Here’s the exercise I’m referring to: How to ruclips.net/p/PLBOt0KDCO8pRssxWWVMl1d_ks6BZ28j2N
What if your horse doesn't let you get that far away from her?
So what if your teaching a horse but he pushes through pressure. Example i ask the back up with porcupine on thd chest but he pushes back.
I dont push into my horses. The vast majority of the time when you push into a horse physically they will lean back, so I avoid creating that situation all together and use other approaches like I show in that video below.
I'd recommend this video here which is a more recent one I've done.
ruclips.net/video/l_NqYohFAxI/видео.html
How do get a horse to keep his head down when putting on the bridle?
I always start with teaching them to halter well first, then can even bridle them with the halter on and then transition to bridling them as we'd expect a well educated horse to.
Haltering Video: ruclips.net/video/vytWGutGF9c/видео.html
We have a bridling video and many other resources to help in our video library as well for anyone interested.
www.videos.coltonwoodshorsemanship.com
I have a horse that I'm having trouble getting to lunge he won't get off me and just circles me while I try to send him out. I've tried with the lunge line and free lunging and nothing. He's not spooky at all I can tap him anywhere with the lunge whip and he doesn't do anything. He can be pretty pushy in general will step on your feet if you don't watch him. I'm not sure if he's being lazy or doesn't understand what I'm asking or both. Any suggestions? I definitely want to use the steps in this video for the pushyness but could that help with sending him out also and getting him going in a lunge?
Having a sequence that you consistently repeat when asking him to move his hips, shoulders, back up, etc is super important so he can take responsibility for getting prepared to do whatever you’re asking him to do.
This method certainly works however I have since improved as changed my approach to this situation. I’d recommend our Video Library, it’ll guide you through step by step how to get him more responsive and has specific exercises so you can get him moving around you the way you’d like.
www.videos.coltonwoodshorsemanship.com
Great thank you!
You’re very welcome!
Good video. Question: my mare likes to line up with my shoulder, then press in toward me. I usually respond with a quick push on her neck, then circle her. But a few feet later she goes right back to crowding. Will your backing up exercise work with this?
Yes. Make her back up, and back quickly. And for a good 20 or so feet each time the horse comes into your space uninvited.
Cuestión mare walks to the left good, to the right invades my space doesn’t want to work even charges
Can we see you do it with a horse that actually needs this training..
that cat though haha
Oh she’s a mess 🤣 her name is Mayhem
my issue is different i ride a really nervous horse that doesnt like it if i walk away she wont let anyone new touch her as well she will hide behind me like a little kid if some new she has went threw a horse stall and tried to jump threw a trailer window
she has ignored other people that she knows ridding her and has taking them threw the arena then the barn will come to me and just stand there with her should on my lower back on a 45 degree angle
all i am doing in this vid is just backing up toward the barn door
ruclips.net/video/lCLU9aP5hKs/видео.html
has never been lunged in 4 year but don't think that would has anything to do with it as her behaver changed after she got hurt tore tendon exposed bone she is healed now
It is our job as humans- who have brought horses into our own world- to ensure they have the education and skills necessary to where they can be happy and safe in the environment we require them to live within.
It looks like this guys hat is backwards..
Ella is a beautiful young lady! She looks like a sweetheart :) and she's sure got some long legs on her. Wow!
Shes my wife’s horse and they’ve come tremendously far together! From working cows to jumping high fences not to mention skijoring- she’s a neat mare!