I mentioned this on an earlier post but have a question. My gelding, whom I have only had a few months puts his butt to me when I'm mucking the corral, etc. In our groundwork (Parelli stuff) he moves his hind end w/ just a finger point, on the leadline, but off, forget it. He just walks off w/ his butt to me and if I approach to point at it, he runs by me, and on and on. It buggs the heck out of me because it's like he's just blowing me off. I know the minute I put a halter and lead line on him he'll keep it away every time, over and over. I've tried taking a bull whip in w/ me and swatting him on the butt when he gingerly walks away, but it doesn't make him turn around and face me until he's at the far end of the corral and by the time I walk there and try to point at his butt to get him to face me say from another direction, he just runs past me and away. My last horse generalized this lesson and all I had to say was, "move that butt" in a firm tone and she made sure to face me. Any ideas. Keep in mind, I do not have a round pen. I have a small 22 foot stall area, and a large rectangular corral. I do have regular access to a big arena, but it's not practical for daily lessons. I think it's important that he sees me as the alpha and this just seems really if not disrespectful, inattentive on his part. He needs to pay attention to me when I'm in there IMHO.
Sounds like he knows that when he's loose, he's the boss.
Pretend your large rectangular corral is a round pen. ; )No, it isn't ideal, because horses tend to "hide" in the corners of a square pen, but you can make it work. Give him the round pen lesson like you normally would, you just may have to chase him out of the corners more than you'd like!
Yeah, I kinda figured that's my only option. I'd hoped after last week's great ride I'd get to ride this weekend as I only have one day available, but I think I need to work on this first. Thanks Meezer!
I don't know a whole lot about round pen work but I work Chance in his paddock quite a bit a liberty. Yes, you do have to chase him out of the corners. Think of it this way, you both are getting a workout. I know Chance and I do :)
it sounds like he knows what to do when hes on the line as its "work/game time". I would suggest perhaps using the pocupine game at any opportunity (not just in a session) to make him realise its when u ask for it rather than at a particular "session" time, then move on to do it by driving/looking whenever you need to. As parelli says, if its not working take it back to the basic first 3 games but you can do it anytime, anywhere.
Demelza, I've forgotten which is the porcupine game. Is it the one where they yeild to pressure at the head/neck? I used to know which Parelli was which but now I just do them w/o remembering all the names. I want to make sure I'm not skipping that. Also, what are the basic 3 again? Thanks.
