Baby 'Tude

Friday I got out of work early so I could bring Baby L to M's to work on his rearing when I lead him in from turnout.  I feel the rearing is in reaction to me correcting his bad behavior.  He simply does not respect me.

M saddled and bridled him and we went in the round pen.  M showed me some things on a long lead to practice with him such as moving out of my space, backing, etc. I was directed to be clear and ask once, if he doesn't respond then he gets corrected.  The first time I corrected him he kicked at me.  Then he reared.  I was glad he did so M could see the behaviors I was dealing with at home.  He respects M so he doesn't behave this way with him.  I spent more time working with him and eventually he was responding to me first time I asked.  M then had me lay L down.  We did this once before at the beginning of our breaking.  Again it was gentle and done safely.  I rubbed on him and talked to him and just like the first time he was calm and unconcerned.  I asked him to get up and we let him be done for the day.  I was thrilled with how everything went and thought for sure I had a reformed baby.

Saturday morning as I led Baby L in from his paddock he reared again and ripped the lead rope from my grip.  He tore around like an idiot and refused to be caught, kicking at me if I came close.  I had to open the gate to the barn and let him run to his stall.  Even in his stall he would turn his butt to me.  I eventually got a hold of the lead rope and I led him to my small sand paddock.  I worked with him as M showed me in the round pen.  After getting my point across with him that rearing and kicking would not be tolerated, he promptly moved in whichever direction I asked including backing.  I patted him and took him to his stall.  I then took his breakfast away and let him cool under the fan in his stall for about an hour.  When I checked back he was cool and calm so I gave him his breakfast.

I then made a trip to Tractor Supply as I figured they would have the same long thick cotton lead rope like I used at M's.  I bought a 20 foot one so that should he rear again at least I have enough line that it doesn't just rip from my hands.

Sunday and Monday mornings he led in without incident.  I am sure to pat him as we walk since he is being good.  It's a start.  My husband is not happy with Baby L and thinks I need to get rid of him ASAP.  I'm not going to give up.  It is not L's fault that his breeder just turned him out with the herd for 3 years of his life and didn't teach him how to be a good citizen.  Handling babies is soooo important.  Just like a toddler they will test limits, talk back, throw tantrums, etc and unless they are taught that these are unacceptable behaviors you soon have a 1200 lb horse that acts like an a**hole.  What I don't want is a 4, 5, or 6 year old horse that acts like this so we have to fix this now.