Training a disrespectful four year old....

[Arby]

I have this Appaloosa mare that has no respect for the halter or for my personal space. I have no clue on what to do. It make me frustrated since I bought as a training project, for my senior project at school. Can someone help me? :confused:

[HappyHorse13]

Hmmm.

Well, the only thing I could think of would be to begin shaking the lead rope, quickly, back and forth when your mare invades your space, until she backs out of it. Firmly say "no!" if she approaches again and you have not asked her to. Have your body language match your voice. When you are content with the space you have reached, lead her back in and practice achieving space again.

The halter issue seems very tricky. Does she say, grab it out of your hands when you are trying to halter her and bite at it? My friend's horse is this way when he's excitable and wants to be turned out. What I do is take it out of his mouth with a firm "knock it off" and persist in haltering him until he obliges.

I'm no expert in any way, this is just simply what I do and I hope the advice helps with your mare :).

[DixieGirl]

Have you ever tried a stud chain. Sometimes it can give you a little extra strength. But don't over use it because sometimes it can hurt your horse.

[ForeverEquine]

I have this Appaloosa mare that has no respect for the halter or for my personal space. I have no clue on what to do. It make me frustrated since I bought as a training project, for my senior project at school. Can someone help me? :confused:

Exactly what do you mean by disrespecting the halter? Like by not giving to pressure? If that's the case, it sounds like an ill fitting halter. I recommend buying a fitted rope halter and allow it to hit on the points of her face.

I've worked appaloosas for a good 10-11 years now. They're a bit stubborn for the most part but incredibly intelligent. The gelding I previously had was a bit of a "pocket pony" and the way I got him to respect space was by lots of ground and round pen work. Anytime she steps into your space chase her off until she relents. Bring her back in and do it anytime she's too close. She'll soon get the grasp of the fact and start staying out of your bubble.

Hopefully this will help you.