How I Deal With Cinchy Horses That Want To Bite

[@pennywebb867]

Such a lovely way of being around horses. I learn so much from these videos when you talk thru what you are observing and your reactions to their actions. You are getting me trained as well. I now see horses action thru a brand new lens. My first thought is always, "what are they trying to tell me?" No longer "naughty, bullying, jealousy, mean, etc." Thank you for what to bring to the horse world. Zuke's owner recognizes this too. She seems a wonderful owner, Zulu a gorgeous horse.

[@StableHorseTraining]

I'm glad I could make a difference. Those four words are thrown around the horse world like crazy... no solution to them either other for the person to change.

[@naomipommerel8415]

Love this response, Graeme you should pin it!!

[@martineinfrance]

Great comment Penny👏 you got it! Rare are the persons like Graeme who worry about horses'emotions and thoughts which direct their behavior.

[@StableHorseTraining]

Done!

[@pennywebb867]

@@martineinfrance thanks all

[@kaynine1834]

I ride with a friends horse once a week, who does the exact same as Zulu here, when she gets tacked up. This is great advice and I will try and remember all for my next tack up with SoShy. (I grew up where the Zulu tribe hails from in South Africa😉🇿🇦)

[@calypso4554]

So impressive! I have never seen a trainer so calm around horses, so patient. Never. I got calm myself too....😄

[@donnacsuti4980]

She plainly really likes grooming and brushing. Love the way you saddled her, so patient and comforting to her. You earned a lot of trust in the process.

[@michellel.s.9747]

Horses are so lucky to get trained by you. Your patience and kindness in your voice and actions is so calming.. great video!

[@StableHorseTraining]

Thank you!

[@martineinfrance]

Excellent way to gain her confidence and desire to be saddled. You are always so empathic towards horses, respecting their feelings and comfort. Thank you!

[@sandyhayden-bristow1382]

What a great way to help a horse not worry about saddling. She did seem kind of tense but she did do the mumbly mouth action a few times. I love when they do that, it is just so adorable!

[@ayeda69]

Graeme - There is a rhythm to your methods that is so zen - Just love watching it! Even the bit when you "went with her" was like a dance.

[@StableHorseTraining]

Thanks Ayeda. Yes, there is a bit of a rhythm to it for sure. Something that goes in sync with the horse I hope, or they sync up with me a bit. Always being sensitive and concerned for what they are thinking (hopefully)

[@MaureenYost]

She is very expressive. It's sad that she is so worried when being saddled. It makes me wonder if she has been abused when being saddled in the past by someone who has been taught that we must control the horse. I really appreciate your handling of her worry and what appeared as biting at first. Engaging with her by rubbing her muzzle is so calming and it tells her you noticed her distress and care. Your handling methods are such a pleasure to watch. I love the way she turned and looked at you at the end.

[@StableHorseTraining]

Being worried is normal, she's never been saddled before. I wouldn't worry about making any negative assumptions about her past, it does no good and can't be addressed anyways any different than I'm addressing her worries now. It's fine, it'll work out.

[@MaureenYost]

@@StableHorseTraining Oh, I didn't realize she had only had harness tack on her so a saddle would feel weird. That's a relief. Thanks Graeme.

[@stephaniem1107]

Watching Zulu point out where she wanted her scratches was so sweet! I needed that today haha

[@EagleSoul]

So Zulu was not trying to bite but was showing you an itchy spot. And since you don't take it personal you and us were able to see what this lovely girl🐎was trying to tell you. Huge lesson for all of us. This is what your patience, knowledge and kindness can unveil✨. Then she stayed with you and even by the end of the video she looks at you again 🥰. Absolute success Graeme 🌈AMAZING!!! Cheers from South America 🇺🇾

[@StableHorseTraining]

Thank you!

[@asherdem2105]

This is great!! It's so important to show a better way to train horses today verses how my father's generation and even mine was shown. Dad told me the best way to "break" a horse is to beat the spirit out of him and that's the only way I will be able to control him. That is true, but I dont want to control my horse and we (collective we) now know that a horse will do more if he wants to do it, and that is what you are showing people right now. So good, thank you!! Love it!! 💚💚💙💙😀

[@StableHorseTraining]

The majority of people hit animals for biting, it's a scary thing and lashing out seems like the best approach for defense. The problem is that the horse is the one defending itself....

[@LabRat14]

I love the way you reassure her with touch! Touching is such a wonderful form of communication ❤️🐴❤️

[@barbarabenz4324]

You have such a lovely way about your actions here. Intuitive, aware and listening to all that she is "saying" about the experience of being saddled. Always aware of her worry and discomfort and your actions to assure, calm and make it a more comfortable experience overall. You give her the courtesy of your full attention and she responds. Such great communication. I am in awe. And she has never been ridden before. With your training I think it will go well.

[@jillsimmons110]

Graeme you are one in a million. Watching Zulu relax under your watch is comforting even to me. ❤

[@StableHorseTraining]

Thank you Jill! I wish her owner had appreciated any part of this as much as you and everyone else (especially Zulu) did!

[@patricianoya]

Great to learn to watch a horses reaction, your patience is golden 🤩🐴 To brush a horse is making contact and building a relationship with them, they will show you their favorite part i love that about horses 🥰 All your horses know that about you and showing their favorite scratch spot, love this video, thank you Graeme 🤩🐎🤗

[@Froby2378]

I used to rub/massage and stretch my mares pecs to warm them up before cinching. Muscle tension and soreness might be a reason for the head tossing and worry also. The racing they do is so repetitive it creates patterns of muscle and fascia tension that can be uncomfortable when pressure is applied to it. Also, emotional trauma can be stored in those tense muscles and fascial restrictions. Just my thoughts as a massage therapist. 🤗

[@bethmccormack5172]

Do you know how much she's been ridden in the past? I wish everyone would be as patient and kind even when they display undesirable behavior. Many would react to what she did with a slap which would only confirm to her that saddling is an unpleasant activity. She's a beauty, I'm sure you will have her sorted in short order.

[@StableHorseTraining]

She has never been ridden

[@StableHorseTraining]

And yes, when a horse gets slapped or hit for biting then it only confirms that they should have bitten sooner and had good reason to be defensive

[@bethmccormack5172]

@@StableHorseTraining Oh wow! Hopefully she will be like Mr Wilde and Little Miss and not give you too much worry. Speaking of Little Miss, I sure do miss seeing her.

[@sharonphillips1383]

I love how understanding with her, this helps me work with my OTTB who reacts the same way to the gerth. Thank you.

[@_Emily_S]

I find your videos so relaxing to watch, and educational. I can't wait to see you help Zulu conquer her worries!

[@missys]

This is awesome! I needed to see this! The horse I ride is cinchy for a lot of people but not usually me. I'm starting to believe it's a learned behavior to get others to leave him be or have someone else do it. Dang these horses are so smart. Lol I think I'm going to have to work on this with him. Thanks for another tool in my tool belt!

[@meercatt]

So so nice to watch. She is so disinterested in humans it seems .. nice to see her draw 💚

[@lauraalbertson7821]

Great lesson video , I loved how you let Her look back at what you were doing. Most people push a Horse away constantly so not to get bit. You have taught us to just take the time to relax the Horse . Slower and lovingly. It’s wonderful how you handle undesirable behaviors. Laura 💜 Bear 💜 Willow 🐴🐴

[@Space_Trucker]

I love all of your videos, but this one in particular had me sitting in rapt attention, watching every move that you and Zulu made. Really enjoy watching your calm approach, and I think I am learning a ton about horse body language just from these videos and your observations. I haven't been around horses in probably a decade, but feel like I understand them better now than I ever did in the past. Thank you as always for taking the time to teach us along with the horses!

[@StableHorseTraining]

Thank you very much, I'm glad you enjoyed this one.

[@scratchgolfer12]

She is so gorgeous and tall!

[@rosethatneverwas]

You have such a wonderfully gentle and patient way of being with horses. It's amazing to see the results- they trust and respect you! I'm learning so much. :)

[@marianstroup1]

She's behaving so well ❣ Nice and easy and patient. Works wonders!

[@amandamason6699]

Zulu did really well.Love these training videos and like the way you have conversations with them

[@netty4]

Aww so sweet.

[@christinerauh6416]

Awesome video, I LOVE your way of communicating with them, I do the same but I'm learning so much more from you ❣ she's such a beautiful big girl 💖 my favorite horse i ride in my lessons "Rusty" always shows me his itchy spot & when I scratch it he loves it💙 it's an amazing connection with them❣

[@sarahb.6475]

This video sure brings some new insight into a few past interactions with two horses! One time I was riding George and he kept turning his head around to look at my foot. Never understood why. When he did I would move my foot out of the way as I didn't understand what he was after. Now I guess he had an itchy spot!! And the second thing is that chewing motion... I have seen Oliver do that many times but I never could figure out what it was - he was not eating - so?? Tried to find out from horse books but kind of got nowhere. And Oliver IS a nervous fellow! It would make sense it shows anxiety or worry.

[@marynahanos1174]

Love this Graeme. Thank you for your patience.

[@StableHorseTraining]

My pleasure!

[@poyznelf]

This was so satisfying to watch, very calming.

[@kelseystrouse954]

I learn from your calm demeanor in every video. I wonder if Zulu is anxious, especially when saddling, because she has expectations of people wanting something from her often. If she's had little time to make friends with other horses, nor able to just be a horse for periods of time, then her expectation is that people want something from her and she has to be hurried in her friend making and horsey free time. It might explain why she decided to just pick one friend, Lena, and aggressively pursue that friendship before her free time is up and she's expected to do something again. I'd imagine her training schedule was pretty heavy. Your calmness helps that anxiety so much but I think her realizing that she's not under a strict work schedule and she can have plenty of horsey playtime, even with you, will be the biggest break through for her. She doesn't understand she's retired and at horse summer camp yet, lol! Even her first sniff around the arena all by herself was at a fast pace like she had to take it all in quick before she was retrieved for something else. I'm likely completely wrong, lol, but I just got that feeling from her. Regardless, she's at the absolute best place she could be!

[@StableHorseTraining]

I really wouldn't worry (and almost never worry about it myself) about anything in the past, it's irrelevant and will only ruffle feathers actually as you're assuming the owner (who is watching everything) is unkind. Being that you'll never know, it's pointless to point things like this out. With horses we must concentrate on the now and the progress and growth they make over time and patterns we can establish from this point. Moving forward. :)

[@kelseystrouse954]

@@StableHorseTraining I could never assume that the previous owner was unkind, Zulu is in pristine condition and obviously sweet in nature. I only meant the work requirements of a working horse are more stringent than horses more kept as pets. I think, just like humans, going from working to retired is a big adjustment. I agree with your 'from this day forward' technique but I would think that knowing what a horses lifestyle was previously can help you work on problem areas faster than figuring them out and then working on the issue. Often times we don't have the luxury of knowing a history but I can't help but think knowing the history, even of those well taken care of, helps understand their needs. No offense meant whatsoever. I'm impressed by the fact the owner sent her to you to help with the adjustment so Zulu can find happiness at a new forever home. That is kindness personified. ❤️

[@StableHorseTraining]

Thank you. In reality it is almost better to not know a single thing about a horse before they come to me. It allows me to view and observe without bias, as hard as I try it always exists when you know too much, and then act on what I see in the moment without connection that may or may not be true. It's always heresay unless you are there anyways.

[@kelseystrouse954]

@@StableHorseTraining See, thus is why I love your channel. I always learn a new perspective. Your taking the time to converse is invaluable. Thank you for the time you take.

[@susanthornburg5200]

Interesting the change in her💙💙💙💙💙

[@Meriswhitacre]

I just wanted to say thank you for all you do once again! Very informative stuff you provide to the everyone, and you take very great care of the horses!

[@StableHorseTraining]

Thank you very very much :) You're welcome and I'm glad you're enjoying your time here

[@limitedtime5471]

Love watching your process

[@joannsmith9]

You are amazing

[@StableHorseTraining]

Thank you :)

[@54321earth]

💫💛💫 learning much from you. Thank you

[@patriciaboyd1199]

Very helpful video.

[@Horse-qb8wz]

For the hay bill💵

[@StableHorseTraining]

Thank you very much!!!

[@jessicas.6235]

It’s interesting that you’re kind of disarming her by treating her effort to warn you to stop as her searching for reassurance.

[@normafollet7156]

Ive seen some people riding the horse with its head very much near the ground, in your opinion would you say that horse is feeling stress having to walk like that especially long distance? It give, s me stress just watching the horse.

[@StableHorseTraining]

I don't know

[@Sky_Writer]

Possibly the harness tack took its toll, and she's chronically sore/uncomfortable along the cinch line? Calm and tranquil Zulu!

[@marynahanos1174]

Nope. They do not have a harness on for long periods. In fact they wear tack for no longer than it takes to race …. Less than 2 minutes or when jogging …. At most 20 minutes. She was worried on one side. They tacks up on the other side. She was worried and found it different. My opinion. This horse could be tacked by a paraplegic man in a wheelchair. My husband and she never bit or kicked him. She is going through many changes on many levels …. Diet ….. herd and location to name a few. I expect her to be worried by some things. My opinion is she is missing her grain. She is a big eater and is used to having grain 2 to 3 times a day. Graeme is the best to work with her. I know because he has trained 2 other retirees for me. Both are bomb proof. She will also get there.

[@StableHorseTraining]

While we can and are totally allowed to wonder on what causes a problem for a horse, specific judgements aren't needed here. You'll notice she only did it on one side, which simply indicates a one sided horse at this time. It took very little to have it stop and she is already better. This is not a food issue or it would show itself when not tacked up. This is a way for horses to communicate something and it's very possible it's totally my fault and doing. We only need to move forward to not have it happen and show her growth and education along the way.

[@virginiamoss7045]

There's always a reason horses or any animals (including humans) react the way they do. They are never "naughty" or "mean" or "ill-mannered". I imagine somebody in this horse's life cinched and pinched and maybe never even took notice so that the horse remained in pain for the duration. Such carelessness is the reason for this behavior. Now it has to be undone. Graeme can do it by letting the horse instantly know he "hears" the horse's objection and concern; that builds trust. It takes lot of time and patience.

[@StableHorseTraining]

You don't know that. Many horses are one sided as she didn't exhibit trouble on her left side. It's just time. Please don't be judgemental on her past from this point.

[@nogames8982]

Those ears are telling you everything you need to know.