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What does it mean to disengage my horse?

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Help! My horse is so hard to worm with a paste wormer syringe! What can I do?

What can you do about a “barn sour” horse?

...my gelding gets very nervous away from other horses and it is a chore riding him out by himself...

- Deb D. in Las Cruces, New Mexico

...When we get in the round pen, all she wants to do is run, run, run! When I release pressure she will stop and come to me but I can not get her to walk... - Malcolm T. in Leesburg, Georgia

[I am] working on [teaching my horse to back up.] My gelding's feet will not move even after really putting energy in [my] rope. Can I encourage him with [the stick] between the points of his shoulders? He seems to want to move at least one pair then.

-Carol N. in Munford ALabama

... issues especially when it comes to feeding time. It's getting to the point that safety is becoming an issue ... When he is eating his feed he will position himself to kick you if you get close to him...one time he even tried to charge at me...

-Sam P. in Weslaco, Texas

...I need to find a rope halter that will fit her tiny little head so I can start her ground work. The "horse size" rope halters that I have are way too big for her, even adjusted as much as possible. One size does not fit all horses!! I've looked every where but can't find one any smaller. Any ideas?...

-Ashlee G. in Crestview, Florida

...Blaze has never been successfully ridden. She bucked off her owner the first time he tried and he hasn't tried since. She has had limited ground work. ...The problem is longeing. She will go to her left ok, but absolutely refuses to go to her right. She gets frantic when asked to move off to her right. She rears up, crow hops, and has actually struck out at me with her left rear foot... Under most situations, she in pretty relaxed except when asked to go to her right.

Any suggestions you have will be greatly appreciated.

-Rick F in Plano, Texas

Say, we have two Peruvian Paso mares...

[Do you think if we bred her to a Gypsy stallion, the foal would be too big for her to have? We are] looking to start doing cross breeds with Peruvian Paso ... [we] would like ... better boned type horses to breed to [our] mares.

-Judy C in Chino Valley, Arizona

...Blind Faith is a totally blind 14 hand mare, ...determine the best way to help her...Basically, the two choices are:

1) Surgery to remove her retracted and atrophied eyeballs (to prevent infection and eliminate discomfort), or

2) Put her down.

Potential for quality of life is under discussion...I am gathering information for the decision making process. ...THANK YOU for any response you can provide!...

-Terry R in Cerrillos, New Mexico

Click here to submit a question to "Ask Chelsie".

...2 yr old after it was gelded ...One day he was fisty and was running around the stall which is 16 x28. He jumped the stall panel which is 5 five [feet] high [and] he hit the top of the panel and flipped over...My question is: ...how to keep a horse from jumping out of the stall?

-Terrie C. in Laveen, Arizona

...My horse is wonderful on the trail, going out he is just calm and quiet. But here is

the thing is on the way home he gets in a big hurry and spooks on things. How

can I make the ride home as pleasant as the ride out?

-Sally R. Paulden AZ

Can you teach a horse how to kneel so rider can just sit on? .....

Judy C. from Chino Valley, AZ

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...he keeps his head up when i ride i was told to teach him to keep his head down use a martingale...I cannot get him to trot or lope without him swinging his head now and kicking out...Can you please help me to understand on what to do and why maybe my horse is doing this? - Cassandra M.

... haflinger mare named Barbl. She is a pleasure to have around although she becomes very distressed and starts leaping around every time her two other feildmates are out of sight. I was wondering how to reassure her to make her feel happy and secure without the two other geldings around, what's the best way going about this?

-Amy M. from Bournemouth, Alabama

...I am a 56 yr.old vet on disability...[my horse] was stolen a year and a half ago. When I got him back he was a real handful. He tried to buck me off 3 times and I rode him out he did fine for a bit then started running off with me...he tried to run through the end of the pen...sent him to a trainer ...he did not teach him anything. He fell down an embankment with him...I have been working him ... but like yesterday he went stupid when I was spraying fly spray on him which I do twice a day. He also if he sees something strange he will stand and snort and get wild eyed...I just want to be able to take my horse and ride him.. I have ridden lots of colts and can not figure him out. I do not want sell him to the killers or trade him to someone who will. He is 15 1/2 hands about 11oo lbs red dunn two eyed Jack colt. ...Please send me in some direction to save me and this horse..

-Ron M. in Douglas, AZ

Chelsie,

I have a horse that developed white hairs on both sides of his withers...tried a built up pad. I talked to a local saddle shop. He advised cutting out the pad, in the area(away) of preasure...The white hairs showed up about two months age and have all but dissappeared. This seems to have fixed the problem. I just think there is a better way, then a pad with two big holes.

Any Imput Thanks!!

-Frank P. from Old Fort, NC

Chelsie,

I have a 4 1/2 Halfinger I rescued from Arizona. He is afraid of everything. He has a bolting problem because of his fear. I tried a tainer who took me for a fool and didn't help the pony at all. Instead of teaching him they led him around on a quad. I am in the military and don't have hours and hours each day. I know it will take me longer to get results, but that is ok. I know I have the patients to help him. I feel it is important that I learn how to train him. I am looking for any guidance to help with understanding fear.

-Stacie P. Fairfield, CA

Chelsie,

I'm from the UK! .. I've had my horse nearly a year now and every time we travel her its after a long few hours of persuading her to go in.

She will walk in right away .. then shoot out backwards! .. if i try to give her some pressure on the halter to stop her from doing so she panics and shoots out every fasterr!!!

Its get quite scary after a bit and becomes quite dangerous.

My trailers a front upload i've tried leading her through it to get it in her head that if she wants to come out she comes out fowards but it hasn't worked!! :(

I have an arabian horse, Benny. I've had him for about a year and a half.

I have two saddles and both give him white spots on his withers and the one

always slips. I think the bars are to big and was looking at a classic

equine esp pad that one of my friends recommended for me because it is a

thicker pad. It is also a bit on the pricey side. I am 13 years old and am

starting Benny in gymkhana. Right now I am using a blanket and pad from my

feed store. I don't know if I should look into a new pad or a new saddle

with arabian bars. I was looking for other opinions and will be looking

forward to yours.

Regards,

Thespina S. - Queen Creek, AZ

Hey,

...when he went to go lunge her she turnd and ATTACKED HIM! Thankfully, he jumped out of the pen in time! If it was not for him being so quick, she would have killed him!

...Right now I think the best thing is to sell her to a more exprenced rider and get my friend a new horse. What do you think?

Thanks,

Baffled on YouTube (ino89777)

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Chelsie,

I cannot remember the exercises to help my horse to collect her head. There were two I believe- one that brought her head to the side and one that made her nose perpendicular to the ground. Can you please tell me again?

-Monika L. from Phoenix, AZ

Dear Chelsie,

I have two, two year old fillies. One tries to bite you, and turn her butt to you to kick you. The other is really skittish and it is hard to get close to her, but once you do she will stand still. Do you have any advice? I would love to be able to get their trust and respect. I have tried everything that I know. Thank you very much for your time.

Beth B. from Klamath Falls, OR

Chelsie,

I am helping a friend work with a 3 year old gelding. The horse has not been halter broke. We have been working with him for a couple of months on and off. I have refused to try and load him until we can get a halter on him. I need some advice on how we can get a rope on him so we can start him with a halter. I have a triple soft 45 foot lariat, but have never used it on a horse.

Thank's for any advice you might be interested. I am also planning on attending your clinic in April near Prescott Az.

Ron B. from Maricopa, AZ

Chelsie,

How much of your training techniques apply to mammoth riding donkeys?

Bob J. from Carmel, CA

Hi Chelsie,

I have a 15yr old quarter pony who will set back when tied, at first only once in awhile, he's getting worse and now is doing this more often. When you saddle him he tightens up and sets back and snorts and acts like he's about to be killed. I haven’t owned him long so I don’t know why he's doing this. He is also shying away and snorting at everything. He wasn’t like this when I first purchased him. I have seen him be totally calm about something one time and blow the next time. I talk to him and reassure him, but what else can I do?

-Tracie from Paulden Arizona

Chelsie,

...he backed up about 4 or 5 quick steps and bucked. I was under a real thick limb of the tree he had been tied to and he bucked me right into it. I smashed the back of my head against it so hard I had a severe concussion. I lost my speech and all movement on my right side within hours.

That is where I stand now. I used to ride bareback, bridleless, with a saddle, or bareback with bridle. I wasn’t afraid. Now, ... I can’t get myself to climb up.

...I would like to know if you have any confidence boosters to help me out...It’s just that first ride that’s stopping me from even trying. Can you give me any suggestions to starting again??? ...

Thanks and Very Sincerely,

Tammy Rominski

Hi Chelsie...love your website.

I have an 11 year old mare who is basically well trained but green as to experiences...home bound for all her life. She gets real excited around other horses.

We're working on the level 3 in the Reis program..she knows all the moves and even responds when in the excited state of mind but its very unpleasant to deal with. What can I do to get her to totally focus on me and disregard what is going on around her?

Thanks,

Marion Parnell, Chino Valley AZ

Chelsie,

I Have a 16hh Paint Racking horse. She does really well after you saddle her and bridle her. She just doesn't like to be cross tied. if you walk in front of her it scares her and she pulls back really bad.

And she spooks at things when she is riding - not really bad but its like she looks for stuff to scare herself. Then, she doesn't bolt, she just looks and sometimes walks a little side ways. What would be the best thing to do with her? Thanks a bunch. Your website is really cool too.

Thanks again,

Belinda Pesterfield from Lenoir City, Tennessee

Chelsie,

I practice horsemanship with my horses Lara and Xandra since 1 month and already see some progress. Lare is a little bit more difficult than xandra. When Lara during the games like to eat instead the take attention to me, how I have to react to her?

- Alice Bandeiras From Caldas da Rainha, Portugal

Chelsie,

[My horse], JR is fine on the 12 foot rope, could be a little more relaxed, but that

will come with time. But, when I take the halter off and try to round pen him,

he starts tearing around like mad, kicking and bucking and rearing (not at me, but facing the fence or close to the fence). He doesn't charge at me or try to run me down, but he just tears around in circles and it is impossible for me to get him to slow down or stop. I have tried relaxing in the center, with zero body energy, getting in front of him, etc. He finally stops (not in response to anything I've done) looks at me, walks calmly toward me and I pet him. Should I just continue on the rope until he is completely relaxed before I try him free or what? As you know, before he came to me, I think his round pen experience was used to run him ragged and get him real tired so he would get in a trailer. YUK!!

- Deb Draluck from Las Cruces, New Mexico

Chelsie,

I have used your video online for loading my very fearful Arab that I just got a few months ago. He has built up his confidence over this time, and I have gotten him into the trailer. My problem is that even though he won't bolt right out anymore, he will stand there for maybe 2-3 seconds and back out. I don't know where to go from

here. I don't want him to freak out when I shut the door or tie him. Can you

give me an idea on how to get to the next step? I really can't wait to be able to get him out on the trails, but I want to be sure he's safe and sane in the trailer first.

Thanks!

- Katrina Selbitschka from Lindstrom, Minnesota

...he has a horrible time loping. Sure he can lope but collected and slowing are a big deal. He crossfires in circles..I'm not sure how bad but I know he does. And he has a hard time collecting the gait more for show. I'm doing hillwork and such to build more muscles so he can balance himself out and carry himself better. Any other suggestions?

I would also like to try a Bosal to work on headset and 'being one' with him. Some people tell me its a great idea. Others don't agree. I think it would be great but I'd love your advice! Sorry for a novel. THANKS!!

-Tye Womack from St. Johns, Arizona

Chelsie:

I just purchased ... gelding ... 7 yrs. old, but is not finished and still green. He is however, smarter than I, and I am struggling getting him going with my cues. I flex him to both sides to start our ride - He walks well, backs well, trots nice if I keep him going in small circles only, and when I go to lope him, he throws his head and like crow hops/bucks. I use my emergency brake to stop him, but I know it doesn't take long for them to develop bad habits. ... - I feel like I don't know how to get him going, and he is just trying to buffalo me.... I have had him for one month, and already feel I have screwed him up - we always end up working against each other. The area I ride in also has a lot of grass, so he is always more interested in trying to eat than give me his attention.... help please!

-Shanda Murphy from Bronson, Iowa

Chelsie:

My 2 year old arab / andalusian hates having the bit in. He throws his head up and that's that! I have tried molasses and honey. He just pokes his tongue out and licks it off. I am trying a happy mouth at the moment... tried snaffles. The only way I can get him to accept the bit is by putting a jam butty around it. I am wondering whether I should take it away for awhile or what to try next. When the bit is in he seems to like it...its just getting it in.

-Gail Elsworth from Bacup, United Kingdom

Chelsie:

My Gelding doesn't mind leaving his safety zone but when he is going down the road he forgets he has a rider and wants to go see anything that catches his attention. I call him a looky loo. But it makes a ride more of an augment than a nice ride.

-Judy Choquette from Chino Valley, AZ

Hello!

I would like some advice in starting my young horse. She is about 4. I lunge her about three times a week, lots of transitions, waited untill she could lunge quite well, then i put a saddle on her and a bit in, but still just working on the cavesson-not touching the mouth. Then i switched to very loose sidereins. She is coming beautifully- but i think the next step is to long-line her.... Now that gets us to the question: when long lining, what rope do i use, where do i thread it through??

-Loudeac Swanepoel From Worcester, South Africa

Hi Chelsie,

What method do you use for a horse who knows how to lead, but who decides to dive for grass when leading one day?

- Meg F. from Double Oak, Texas

Chelsie,

I am new to the world of horses. I am trying to teach our 4 year old to lift her feet. There has been resistance and [she] continues to slam her foot in the ground. [We] are looking for a hint or solution. We do not believe in forcing the issue.

Thank you very much.

-Alexander Haddad from Yucca Valley, California

Hello!

Here is my question. I have a mare. She was given to me earlier this year. I was told she is easy to catch. Not so ...

I turned her out in a field with all of my other horse for the rest of our long winter feedings. When I went to bring her in...

- Jennifer H. From Karlstad MN

Hi Chelsie,

I have 23 yr old mare, who I use in gymkannas to run barrels and poles. What

is the best type of bit to use on her? She has recently started to back up

when I am trying to get on her and I am thinking the bit I am using is too

hard on her mouth. The bit that was recommended by the previous owner is

called a twisted gag bit. Not sure if with my inexperience in learning to

run the gymkannas is making this too harsh a bit to use with her. Can you please

help?

Melodie Faulkner From Wittman, Arizona

Chelsie,

I am ground driving my filly, ...the head stall I am using does not have blinders. My headstall with my harness does have blinders. I was thinking of getting her used to the blinders in my round pen just the same as getting her used to the regular head stall, let her walk around with it on for awhile, then ground drive her in the round pen with it on.

Is it critical to use blinders when driving? Why do you typically see them on

driving harness? Thank you for your time and insight on this.

Sincerely,

Becky M. from Manhattan, KS

Chelsie,

I'm having a little problem deciding on horses. I am 14 and … I would like to get into high school rodeo … 10 year old purebred Arabian (Benny) that I'm leasing but it was kind of a rescue case. …The owner wants to sell him right now for $1000 and I wanted to buy him because he is my first horse and I'm really attached to him. Or … found a wonderful little weanling colt for $500. …he is just a beauty. …If you were in this situation and had to pick one or the other would you pick an Arab who will need to be started over on his training or a 6 month old you would also have to train, but could teach him what you wanted from the beginning and not have to get over what he already learned…

Regards,

Thespina S. From Queen Creek, Arizona

Chelsie,

I am working with a new horse (3yo)who has not been ridden. When doing ground work with a rope halter and I try to get him to walk off to the left or right, he throws his head up and just walks backwards, really hard. How can I get him to calmly walk in the direction I drive him?

Thanks,

Malcolm Tully From Leesburg, Georgia

Chelsie,

I am having trouble round penning my horse, Bolero. ... I can’t get him to go without the stick...

... if I take the the halter and lead-line off, he strikes out...I have to say that that is when I get scared. It's so funny because Bolero is the horse that I have such a great relationship with but in the round pen, I can't trust him. I feel bad because of what's happened in the past with other trainers but he has just always been so difficult to round pen .

Suzanne G. From Prescott, Arizona

Chelsie,

I am purchasing my first Friesian. It has been a dream of mine my whole life to own such a magnificent horse. He is just a weanling right now but i want to get to know what I need and how much it will cost to teach him every thing. I am clueless to this kind of horse. I have been a trail rider all my life. I am 48 and need help. I am in love with him already and he isn't even here yet!

-Marcia J. From Coolidge, Arizona

Chelsie,

...One huge concern for me is Sugar's fear of trailering...I never had my own trailer, so anyone who had a trailer that I rode with usually would take turns trying to get Sugar in. Some experiences were worse than others...my poor mare has so much negative tension around the trailer, that as the barn owner's trailer was parked outside today, she did not want to even go near it. She was huffing and puffing and her eyes were huge. I led her up to the trailer and she was still pretty nervous. At one point, she started backing up, and swinging her butt to the side and planting her feet, and I wasn't even trying to get her to load! :(

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Meredith from Ohio

Chelsie,

My trouble is that ...one of the barn owner's horses screams for Magic every time I take him out, and he seems to become nervous and distracted. He can whip around pretty fast and has thrown feet at the retired owner who worked with him...In fact, not too long ago the barn owner's wife...was leading Magic outside by himself, he was misbehaving...throwing his head around, etc) and he slammed his face into her eye, which resulted in Connie having a black eye. What are your suggestions...?

Meredith From Ohio

Hi Chelsie

I have a 19 month old Paint Filly I'll be starting soon and I was wondering if you have any advice. I've already done all the usual ground work with her but just wanted to see if you have any tips. We already have a very good relationship and I don't want anything negative to happen that might hurt that !!!

Thanks,

Jimmy Powell from Hornbeck, Louisiana

Chelsie,

"[My horse] is great about putting the saddle and pad on him but he panics with the

cinch being done up."

BF Brydon From Regina, SK

Chelsie,

"Do you have ways to keep horses healthy and happy with their comfort as to Farrier care, nutrition, etc. in these more challenging economic times?"

Russ From Camarillo, CA

Chelsie,

"I am getting ready to purchase my first horse and was very please to find your videos on YouTube. I do not have any experience with horses, ... I'm going to take all advice you have to offer.

Laverne Mott From Groves, Texas

Chelsie,

"Hi, I would love to be like you with horses...any tips?"

Clare Halstead From Manchester, United Kingdom

Hi Chelsie,

I have a question. I have a 9 year old arabian gelding that I got almost for years ago. He was starved and pretty much a wild horse. I have taken it slow with him to not make him more scared of people. The thing is, when i get on him he bolts; and I have tried the one rein stop and everything else that has been mentioned to me. If you could give me some advice I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks and have a wonderful day,

Lisa Wenetschlaeger from Tulsa, OK

Hello Chelsie,

My biggest problem is not with my horses but me.

My knees are very sensitive as I have had total knee replacement on both with a total of five knee surgeries.

Roger Beed from Oshkosh, NE

…Stallion … is Babson/Sirecho. Normally good natured… He will let me touch his face and rub his neck but he is reluctant to get a halter on him. I was told he thinks he's going to the mares when he's haltered and gets excitable…if you can give me some ideas.

Thank you for listening.

Kristin Fetterhoff from Star City, Indiana

Chelsie,

I just got 3 new horses from the Wild [Horse] Agency. I had one Mom, Baby, and a Palamino, but the mother passed away. So, now I have just the two but I'm also getting a quarter horse. These are the first horses I've ever had. Can you help me out?

-Amber Myers from Nashville, Tennessee

Chelsie,

… baby is now 14 days old, and has recently gotten very feisty. When I come into the pasture and the stall, she seems happy to see me, then all of a sudden, will pin her ears, and turn around with her bum facing me and tries to buck/kick! She especially tries to do this when I am working with Mama! She is so strong already, and I want to get this corrected before she gets any bigger….

-Shanna Ishler from Shelton, Washington

Chelsie,

I have an 9 yr old rescue gelding ... in the first month I had him, we had a bad accident that left me with multiple broken bones and him with more trust issues. In the months it took me to heal, I do feel we bonded, but I admit that I am a little afraid- not of him- but what could happen...I would like to learn a different way to connect with him, for both of us.

Karen D. from Carson City, Nevada

Hi Chelsie,

What can I do to keep my horse from bolting out from under when I'm getting on him?

Louise B.

...My new horse rides with a mechanical hackamore. She is very well behaved, turns nicely with direct rein and has a wonderful whoa... I have been reading a lot about the bitless bridle by Dr. Cook. I'd like to try one and get rid of all the mechanical stuff hanging off my mare's face. I understand the bitless bridle operates with "whole head" control. What are your thoughts on transitioning from hackamore to bitless bridle?

Thanks for your time.

Lynn H.

Hi Chelsie,

I am 13 years old and have a 2 year old quarter horse that will be 3 soon. I haven't done much with him yet and he is kind of shy. He is very calm and has never spooked on me.

I am trying to halter break him. I need some help here... I started with this last year...

Anyway's, just wondering the best way to get him halter broke.

-Hunter B. from Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, Canada

I have a 10 year old BLM mustang mare...broke to ride, using the "cowboy" method. I have been working with her for a long time to get her to canter under saddle...having trouble ever since...The only reasons I can think of is that the last arena I tried cantering in is more oval shaped than the rectangle one and maybe she thinks there is not enough room...I do feel off-balance when I did get her to canter before and had to hold on....And I always have to force rein her. How can I help her understand what I want her to do and how can I convince her to do it?

Thanks,

Jackie M. from El Mirage, AZ

Dear Chelsie,

I have had my fjord for nearly 2 years now, have done a lot of natural horsemanship with him. The problem with him is that some one has tried to drive him and something

awful happened because he panics, kicks and tries to

bolt whenever I touch him where the harness would normally go. I have been trying to long-rein him, not very successfully, at least 3 people are needed. I would like to know how to get him to realize that no-one is out to

hurt him.

Thank you,

Anita G. from Wigan, Lancashire, United Kingdom