by SaddleUpGang » February 6th, 2010, 12:18 am
Is Mystic aggressive toward your son or the other horses? Since it has been awhile since you have worked with him, I would suggest you start back at square one and re-establish your leadership and assert your dominance over him. Aggression in horses is a sign of challenge and their desire to be dominant. If you have a round pen available, work Mystic by making him move around the pen at your command. He will learn that you are the one making him move and allowing him to stop. Watch his body language for signs that he is hooking on to you, an ear cocked your way, licking and chewing. Work him in both directions and keep him moving until you allow him to stop. When he is listening to you, praise him with soft words and a pat. This is the release to the pressure you are putting on him and your show of dominance over him. Everytime you handle Mystic, leading him, feeding him, etc. always maintain your dominance and leadership, by letting him know where to stand, how to follow you when you are leading him, and to not invade your space. Reward him when he behaves well, and work him when he misbehaves. He will soon learn that you are boss mare, regardless of your being short. Good luck, and let us know how Mystic's retraining goes.
