Working him outside the field

[Whitedresswind]

Today the neighbor came over (she has horses) and we took out Ickabod and Berma, because we can't take Berma out without Ickabod, because of the crazies, and of course Ickabod needs more experience outside his comfort zone. So we took them over in our big field across the pasture. My sister rode Berma and I led Ickabod behind /beside/in front of her with eileen beside me, and we went around several times (its a big field) and at one point, a plane, and a car was coming, Ickabod flipped out a bit and spooked/jumped back, we calmed him back down, and continued on. Overall he did pretty good, except the whole time he kept going to fast, and leaning his head to the left when he walked, he was very alert and his ears were pricked the whole time. We also worked on Bermas bit problem. I also sat on ickabod (for the first time since he bucked me off, lol) while eileen led him behind Berma, I got off because he was giving signs that he might spook again, but he was sooo comfortable compared to berma, lol So it was a good day. But, eileen touched ickabod to show she was behind him, and he almost kicked her, his leg went up and he pinned his ears, fortunatly he didn't kick, but he does this, and I don't know why. When I first got him I touched his rump to show I was there (even though he already knew I was) and he kicked me, he also kicked my sister, it was a while ago, but he hasn't done that (I guess because I always steer clear from his backside) but he almost did today which wasn't good... Well, I just felt like sharing, wanted you to know that I have some help, and we are working on them :) thanks for reading all of this, lol, if you have any advice as well, its appreciated.

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee253/whitedresswind/106_8127-1.jpg

[Gypsy Rose]

Glad you are making progress!

On the kicking, I wonder if he could be ouchy in that spot for some reason- maybe from an old injury?

[WashingtonBay]

Just build on success. Every time you can get them out there and work them successfully it gets better, and you get better at handling it.

On the kicking, I think he needs to be smacked for that and AAAAAACK! Shock the heck out of him! Make him think he's going to die. -but perhaps not when you're on him. ;) Set it up when you are well prepared, with a long whip, a halter, maybe with a stud chain on it and can keep clear if he does fire a shot. Touch him, ask him to move his butt over. If he threatens or kicks, smack him, yell, he'll lurch forward and then yank him back around. Then pretend it never happened and test him again.

[cloedoll]

With the kicking thing, he could have seriously been surprised both times (with Eileen today and you in the past) and since he is green, rebellious, bratty, etc. kicked out. Or, if he was possibly abused in some way in the past, he may have been fighting back. That would be a very good thing to work on next, getting him over that. WBay gave some good advice! I am glad Eileen is helping out, sounds like a good day! :)

[lovesfortune]

WB's right. Build on the small successes! It really helps your attitude over all when you do this. I know, I am doing it now with mine!