Taming the Elusive Equine

 

The Great Escape Artist: Taming the Elusive Equine

We've all been there, haven't we? Standing in the field, halter in hand, calling your horse's name with what you hope sounds like gentle encouragement. But instead of a nuzzle and a willing step forward, you're met with a flick of the tail and the distinct sound of hooves cantering away. Today, for me, that scene ended with me riding a different horse entirely after another unsuccessful attempt to catch my usual mount. Sound familiar?

My horse, let's call him " Houdini" (because sometimes it feels like he could vanish into thin air!), has developed a rather frustrating habit of turning catching time into a personal game of "keep away." Some days it's a breezy five-minute affair, other days stretch into a twenty-minute cardio session I didn't sign up for. And then there was that day – the day I fell (thankfully, no serious harm done to either of us), which was followed by a grueling forty-minute pursuit. It's safe to say, this isn't just inconvenient; it can be a real safety concern.

So, if you're nodding along, perhaps also sporting a few extra steps on your fitness tracker thanks to your four-legged friend, know that you're not alone. And more importantly, there are ways to address this frustrating behavior. Forget the endless pockets of treats that Houdini has clearly become immune to; we need a different strategy.

Beyond the Carrot: Rebuilding the Catching Connection

For horses like Houdini, who've learned that evading capture can delay or even avoid work, we need to shift the narrative. Catching shouldn't be the prelude to a task they might find less than thrilling. Here's where we can start:

• Make "Caught" Equal Calm: Once you do manage to halter your horse, resist the urge to immediately march them off to the arena. Instead, take a few moments for quiet connection. Offer a gentle groom, find those itchy spots they love, or simply stand peacefully together. The aim is to make being caught a pleasant interlude, not just the starting gun for work.

• Mix Up the Routine: If your horse always gets caught and then immediately works, try changing things up. Sometimes, catch him just to groom him, offer a scratch behind the ears, and then turn him back out. This breaks the association that being caught invariably means exertion.

• The Power of Calm Approach: Horses are masters of reading our body language. A tense, determined stalk can trigger their flight response. Instead, try approaching with a relaxed but confident demeanor. Avoid direct chasing or sudden movements. Walk with purpose, but without the tension of a predator.

Let's Play Some Games (That You Actually Win!):

• The "Come When Called" Challenge: In a safe, enclosed space like a round pen or small paddock, start training a verbal or sound cue for "come." When your horse even takes a step in your direction, immediately stop and let him stand. If he comes closer, reward him with a scratch or gentle praise. This isn't about bribery with food; it's about teaching him to respond to your request.

• The Art of the Turn Away: When your horse starts his usual evasive maneuvers, try a counterintuitive approach: turn your back and walk away. This can sometimes pique their curiosity and remove the thrill of the chase. However, always be mindful of your surroundings and ensure you're in a safe area.

• Subtle Body Language Guidance: Instead of directly facing and chasing, use your body to subtly influence his movement. Sometimes, simply turning your shoulder in the direction you want him to go can guide him without a direct confrontation.

Looking Deeper: Addressing Potential Root Causes

Sometimes, evasive behavior can stem from more than just a dislike of being caught:

• Workload and Well-being: Is your horse's workload appropriate? Does he have enough turnout and social interaction? Boredom or pent-up energy can manifest in unexpected ways.

• The Ghost of Experiences Past: My fall might have inadvertently created a negative association with being caught for Houdini. Extra patience and focus on positive interactions are crucial in rebuilding trust.

• Is There Discomfort?: Could there be an underlying physical reason why your horse is reluctant to be caught or handled? A check-up by a veterinarian or equine bodyworker might be a worthwhile step.

Consistency: The Unsung Hero

Whatever strategies you decide to implement, consistency is paramount. Every time you go to catch your horse, stick to your chosen method. Inconsistency will only confuse him and potentially worsen the problem.

A Word of Caution (and Encouragement):

Your safety should always be your top priority. If your horse is consistently difficult to catch and you ever feel unsafe, don't hesitate to seek guidance from an experienced horse trainer or behaviorist. They can offer personalized advice based on your specific situation.

Taming the elusive equine takes time, patience, and a little bit of strategic thinking. But by focusing on building a positive association and understanding the potential underlying reasons for this behavior, you can transform catching time from a frustrating chase into a calm and connected moment with your horse. Here's to fewer laps in the field and more enjoyable rides!