What causes horse behavior problems?

8 most common owner created problems. The answer to what causes horse behavior problems could be you! In my 25+ years of horse training many problems that I've seen were caused unintentionally by the owner. In this video I go over the 8 most common owner created problems that I've seen.
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Tim Anderson
PO Box 664
Ocean Springs, MS 39566

[@allysondoerfler8688]

Was taught when I started with horses 60 years ago that 'whoa' means all four feet still, and nothing else. It doesn't mean slow down, it means full stop. It takes a while for the horse to understand that, but it's like having an emergency brake.

[@cattymajiv]

Very smart!

[@lynnejones1963]

I agree. When I say whoa it means stop moving. I use the word eaaaasssyyyy to ask one to slow down and relax. They know the difference.

[@pjk1714]

Thanks for taking the time to share this video. Your horse isn't a vintage vehicle you randomly take out. Even still, they don't behave well either if you treat them that way. Horse ownership is a consistent guardianship that takes time and money to nurture for best results. It breaks me to see a perfectly good horse traded in because the time and medical care wasn't invested. Great guidance you provided. Anyone considering a horse should watch first. Take care..

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Thank you.

[@kajinsautumn9833]

New sub here. I have also seen way too many owners come out, saddle up, work horse hard, put back in paddock. No other interaction! Really sad, in my opinion.

[@cameroncline]

I’d love to see how you prepare for a play day vs a work day. Thank you for this video!

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

I had another person ask the same thing. I will do that on a upcoming video.

[@cameroncline]

@@timandersonhorsetraining Awesome thank you!!

[@PersonalTriumph2022]

@@timandersonhorsetraining yes would be very helpful to see your routine

[@cindymaris8470]

my trainer kept telling me , do not groom you're horse so much! you make him a prince ! i didn't understand it , untill this year! i put to much time in grooming before riding , i backed down from it , make him clean , saddle up and groom after work like a treath . for lunge work i no longer groom before , i do it after , so he knows it is spa day or work ! this all fell in to place just right now! waaw! so now he is injured and gets lot of treathment for his leg/ health, it's more fun and no work ! need to keep it in mind once we go back to working routine! it is setting his mind right! never thought that trough like that! thnxs ! i like to see you're playday routine also !

[@mingram008]

Once again, excellent information! I will admit I’m guilty of a couple of these things. Sometimes you just don’t know any better until someone points it out. I never get offended by anyone giving me advice. I just file them away until I can research it. Thanks for the video and we’re looking forward to the next one!!!

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Thank you

[@Deej496]

My horse seems to know what we are going to do by which halter I use. I have his trail halter, and his grooming halter. He walks up to me when I have his grooming halter, and I have to walk up to him when I have his trail ride halter. 😅 Best horse I ever owned.😊

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Yes that is a very good way to do it.

[@maryleonard6381]

Wow, that is well thought out. You obviously take good care of your animals, thanks for the info.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Thank you for watching.

[@rogerramjet7567]

I just love common sense. Very well applied here!! Great job. 😀👍👍

[@fracturedfauve]

Thank you for this informative video. Could you do a demonstration in the future please showing how you prepare for a play day verses a work day, the signs of improper tack fitting, what to do if your horse won’t pick up its foot, etc?

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

All great ideas, I will do them. Thank you for watching.

[@fracturedfauve]

@@timandersonhorsetraining 😊 Thank you very much.

[@beccasnevents5279]

Just view for the first time. A great one to review from time to time. My guess is these basic understandings work with kids and dogs also. 😊

[@SherryUribe]

Spouse asked me to change my clothes as I usually was in a bull corral. He planned to go out to eat. That sounded interesting because we were living on hot dogs. I assumed that we were going into town where there were several cafes. I put on a dress and got out of my corral boots. We drove to a gas station to put gas in truck. He then threw into the window a submarine sandwich and we returned home. Don't ever confuse, lie or disappoint your wife in this manner.

[@fallbrkgrl]

Thank you for this video! I never even thought about teaching them how to know what you're going to do each day. For all of the videos I've watched about keeping them healthy, mentally, this was never discussed. Definitely going to share this one on Facebook. ❤️🌵☀️⛈️🌈☮️🐎

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Thank you for sharing.

[@sandrat3690]

Well done! Every horse owner should watch that!

[@boniw698]

You are one of the most educational trainers I’ve watched in a very long time. You talk about and demonstrate what some my take as unspoken common sense subjects which are totally new to beginners and non horse people getting into Horses. Your demonstrations are first rate. Thank you for your teachings. Wishing you the very best. From 74 year old use to ride grandma. 💕🫶👏

[@ratherbwithhorses]

Just love how your horse is listening to you while you talk.

[@lyndiaabbott2752]

WoW, you are right on!!!! This is the best video for educating a new horse owner. It was clear, smart and helps correct the unintentional problem new owners do to their horse. Keep these coming!!!! ox

[@infinity401]

As a beginner rider, little over one year now, number 6 is me. I also feel this applies to who I am as a person.

[@susananderson3527]

Thank you, making it all very easy!

[@epona9166]

Every one of these suggestions is excellent and every one (except the health and well fitting tack issues, which I’m on top of) are reminders that I needed. Thank you so much!

[@82Renating]

Having turnout stable year round and having open access to food (with slow feed nets) for the horse herd, giving structure is not so easy. There is structure for behaviour at the gate. I'll put my mind into what else I can do to add structure. Thnk you as always for mindful insights.

[@stephaniedavis7033]

Much appreciated; always like to hear the basics on being a great horse person and what areas could use improvement. Currently have an issue on regular hoof care with a professional / trained farrier due to the remote area we live. I am starting to learn how to trim, so I can keep a routine and my horses will have good hooves (no hoof, no horse).

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Yes in some parts of the country a good farrier is hard to get. It's a dying trade.

[@emerwatchorn6971]

Thank you, great video.

[@coraclements4562]

very informative video, thanks for sharing

[@sarahbean6170]

You have great, quick to the point videos! Wonderful and so helpful! Thank you! PLEASE do a diet, hay, grain, feeding schedule video. I am trying to learn more about how much hay with forage, how much grain and when to give it and when not to.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

I did that video a few months ago. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJ-anmuBqsegj8k

[@mariagillinson8527]

Always a good idea to test fields not only for grass to grown but to also give enough time for bacteria and any things like worm eggs to die naturally.

[@hhlagen]

Great advice a lot of people just don’t know.

[@Dancing_with_Yazan]

Very useful tips!!

[@MrsTfromtheUK]

Teeth. Maybe not such a biting issue if you ride with hackamore style bit BUT can definitely affect nutrition. Good info. Thanks from UK

[@elliemiller25]

I love this!

[@kidstuff44555]

Horse training is 1) Teach your horse what you want him to know and 2) Don't teach him what you don't want him to know. They learn both, whether you mean to do it or not.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Yes. Sometimes #2 is harder than #1.

[@deltabravo4589]

As someone who is new to working with horses I loved your part on indecisiveness. You're right, no decision is the worst decision. I can't learn from doing nothing. So I need to choose an action and go forward with it with confidence. I'm still learning about their behavior and use of space. I feel like my confidence will come from learning about when I'm in a position where they can bite me/kick me/run me through and how to position my body to get out of that. That's what scares me the most, when they start to get nervous or upset and the only thing I can do is back away. I don't feel like thats the best thing to do because it teaches them they can get away with their behavior with me, but I don't exactly know how to position my body in a way to assert myself but also not put myself in the line of fire.

[@grenade8572]

If's hard to give you an answer, because what you need to do depends on the situation. But a tip that can help you in various situation is: clapping in your hands in front of the horse's eye. Can stop an attempt to bite or to make back a horse that pushing into you. It's hard to work with a kicking horse. Best thing to do is staying in a secure place (= far from the legs) and using a long whip to prevent the horse coming toward you.

[@mebusy2280]

Absolutely true!

[@michellejansen6165]

My only complaint about this video is the order. I think #8 should be #1, #7 should be #2 and so on. We all have to learn these, I agree. Some are lucky and grow up learning them and some had to get a job first. I was a bit of both. Until we understand #8 and #7 etc, we won’t know how to figure out a structure and a plan. That’s the only way we know the difference between work and play for the horse, I think. Most of us work in order to afford these creature features so for me anyway, time with my horse is fun no matter how hard I work. But they always have to behave themselves whether it’s spa day or ride or just grazing for a bit. I like to hand graze versus treats. I don’t give treats because I think it teaches the wrong thing but I realize I am in the minority on that. I just prefer hand grazing when possible because I like to spend time with them and they don’t get pasture. I think it’s good for their tummies which is good for their health. Most people I know get bored with that and I understand that too. My feet hurt. I just figure it’s something I can do for them that they truly appreciate. Thank you for taking on this topic. Another great message! ❤

[@ponderosafuture]

Great points

[@jimmyrburns6820]

Hey,....Thank You.

[@dalenascholl6268]

So helpful

[@shelmstedt]

I would emphasize on giving them plenty of exercise. I see so many horses getting out for 30 min max.

[@TeresaCook-de6jo]

Great video.

[@JohnHarrerHorses]

How about show prep? You want your horse looking good, so you spend a lot of time making your horse look its best. How do you make that different than a spa day? After show prep, you're horse is going to have work pretty hard.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

True but show prep is primarily the day before the show. Also when a horse get to that level they know the difference between work and spa.

[@Ashestoashespetcrematory]

Nice barn renovations too.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Thank you.

[@PatriciaSpayd]

Horses are a whole new world and they are not “My Little Pony.”

[@maryannemorrison2699]

Great video. Horses lives would be so much better if they followed these guidelines. I have a couple more. Too many treats. Horses get nippy and pushy because they want more and its not cute. Another, personal space. While the horse needs to know you have a space hes not allowed to invade. But you as the owner can invade his space to groom, tack and medicate. And the last one is remembering your horse is not a dog. They of course love you and want to be your buddy. Playing games, running from them and thinking it's fun to chase you and chase them.....uh don't. You will get hurt eventually.

[@mariagillinson8527]

Would be good to encourage people to analyze poop before deworming for worm identification and count rather than just automatically reworm and strip gutt from good bacteria. After all dewormer is a pesticide. Because horses live in herds they can also share worms as they are in close proximity. Best to test the poop and know your horses load and only deworm if needed as per your vet. Also the vet will tell you the best dewormer to use as they aren’t equal.

[@carmenslee6234]

What you are describing is knowledgeable horsemanship compared to ignorant horsemanship. My interaction with my horses is work/play.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

That is not what I said.

[@shashakeeleh5468]

Mr. Anderson, saddle pad you always use a 1/2" or 3/4" saddle pad and what brand or where can I get one similar? Thank you!

[@comesahorseman]

When I'm not working with horses, I work in small animal medicine; the same rules apply to dogs, folks! And, to a lesser extent, to cats as well. Put some time & effort into your pets and you will see a difference.

[@jessepitt]

It’s crazy how my dogs can tell what I’m doing by how I prepare to go out the door. If I’m going to work they don’t even bother to get up, if I put on cowboy boots they are ready to ride!

[@sillysally426]

Question: I used to work out a horse on a line for about 10 to 15 mins. To let them work out any glitches or I used to call it the boogs, before a ride. Is this a good idea.?? Or if I didn't have time to ride a lot, a little longer work out, hopefully to keep the horse tuned up. Thank you so much. For your guidance to all horse owners.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

I believe a horse needs to be lunged to work out glitches before being ridden then there is a whole in the horse's training. That being said you shouldn't just get on a horse you know is going to act up. I think the better thing to do is to long line.

[@dorothyloos4614]

Off topic question, what size are your stalls? Your barn is gorgeous, did you design it?

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

They are 12 feet * 12 Feet. I'm not sure what that converts to if you do metric. Yes I designed everything myself. I am in an area where the summers are hot and the winters are mild so I wanted it bright and cool.

[@Conny226]

I have a question can you show how to fit a saddle pad I don’t know how high it should sit and my horse has a shark fin

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Search my videos about saddle fit, I go over that.

[@damnyanksinsc]

I had a horse that would nloat her stomach when tightening a girth. Is kneeling the horse in stomach the correct thing I do? I had a mare that bloated once on me and as I was in show at canter the saddle slipped to the side and I plowed through snow fencing head first.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

They are not really bloating their stomach and no, knee to the stomach is not the right thing to do.

[@retiredairforce5111]

Tim has talked about that in another video but I can’t remember which one. He said it was tightening the stomach muscles. He recommended doing a snug initial placement then walk the horse for a bit the tighten some. A little more walking or at least an additional time period and then do a final snug up. He also said not to be aggressive when winching in any of those times. I hope I remember correctly. Tim can chime in and fill in my gaps.

[@TheMamaAmmah]

Do you have a video on proper tack placement? Thank you

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

I do not. Good idea, I'll do one.

[@TheMamaAmmah]

@@timandersonhorsetraining thank you. That would be greatly appreciated!!!

[@allysondoerfler8688]

When mounting don't walk off immediately. Teach your horse to stand still until you give the command to walk. I see people whose horse walks off leaving them or stuggling to pick up a sturrup. Just stand still for 10 seconds, sometimes more, when mounting.

[@honesttraitorbear3527]

Respectfuly disagree, but then I don't deal with other people's horses like you do. Thanks for sharing!

[@JoeLinux2000]

What do you disagree with?

[@slaytonmarks7537]

I wonder about dirty bits that could make horses sick. I never see people clean bits before using.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

English riders clean their bits regularly. Most Western bits are made from "sweet iron" which other that rinsing with water is not recommended.

[@andrewpereira5020]

I clean mine after use each time.

[@elgallorojo]

Thanks Tim. Great video. Question: What ulcer treatment do do suggest? I try to educate myself but I would like to have some real world experience from you if possible. Thank you.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

I use ulcerguard usually a 7 day treatment and adjust that horse's feed to give more alfalfa.

[@elgallorojo]

@@timandersonhorsetraining thank you

[@jekimjo]

@elgallorojo If you haven’t already, please make sure to have a licensed veterinarian provide you with professional health recommendations/advice when it comes to your horse. Please. Its in your horses’ best interest.🙂

[@elgallorojo]

@@jekimjo thank you

[@mariagillinson8527]

General horses management always good to at least test blood & poop from at least one horse in each herd. As our earth is depleted of its nutrients mainly due to farmers using artificial fertilizers it’s important to know that our horses are healthy and receiving the nutrients they need as do humans.

[@mikeabc5355]

Ok

[@PersonalTriumph2022]

Definitely have made the treat mistake. It’s amazing how quickly they go sour when fed treats

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Yes they do

[@patisulambert5669]

Please, don’t hand feed. Put the treats in a bucket. The horse next to me has turned into a biting monster through no fault of his own. Tragic.

[@oksills]

Amen! Dogs as well and MORE for children….. sooo many spoiled children & esp. teens. “ What will you give me if I do?”

[@rising_waves]

What a comparison. Horse and a car 😂

[@horsepowerequineaz]

The only thing I disagree on is work/play/structure. I find that if you keep a routine they start to anticipate what comes next and behavioral changes are more negative. Ex- if they know they go to pasture after riding, they get gate sour. I live by never let them know your next move. Sometimes they get treats, sometimes they don’t. Sometimes we ride first then lunge, sometimes we lunge first. I intentionally change it up.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

I see your point but you will have a hard time getting a horse to excel at something when they never know what to expect. A horse that knows what's going to happen but has been taught patience to wait until asked is what I prefer in a horse. If your horse never has any routine then you are just avoiding his training hole of patience.

[@cathiwim]

So, if you work 40-50 hrs a week at your job, then dont own a horse? From the horse’s point of view, this would make sense.

[@ratherbwithhorses]

there are still lots of hours left for a horse. Just depends on how much of a horse geek ya are.

[@victoriousvalentine9779]

I don’t understand. If a horse is well trained, why would one need to use an hackamore?

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

I don't know how to answer your question because the context of your question with that video has me confused.

[@ceridwen7785]

Teeth! Please keep an eye on the health of your horse's teeth. Try to avoid feeding them high sugar snacks regularly. Lettuce and cucumber are great for the odd reward, many horses love them and they're much lower in sugar than apples and carrots

[@abethomas8625]

You don't need to be mechanical Engineer to buy a car.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

No but you learn to drive before you buy a car but many people buy a horse then learn how to keep one.

[@wasidanatsali6374]

I worked with my grandpa who was a great horse trainer. People would ask him what type of first horse they should get. He’d tell them get an older, settled, experienced horse that will help you learn. But many of them would go buy a young horse then tell us they were going to “train” it themselves. 🙄

[@valeriefrazier7830]

Bad analogy. Horses aren’t human.

[@nobitsnoshoes]

ride without a bit & y'all don't have to worry about it "fitting right". metal does not belong in any mouth...horse dog cat or human.