Working with Head-Shy Horses

[@msnorm_alia4063]

When i met my horse for the first time he was very head shy and bit me very often With time and cuddling he lowers his head now and wants to be pet -it's heart warming every time :)

[@casutaplimbareata5956]

Thank you for your advices regarding the release of pressure and rewards

[@karabryson1866]

Looking for advice please! My 3 year old shetland hates you touching his ears he's better with you touching his right if you touch his left or even try to it can result in him rearing

[@InspirationEmPire25]

So I have a horse, whenever I touch his head to pet it or brush it, he will strike his head and shake it. Is there something I can do to help him learn that it’s ok? He’s older, 16, and has been in programs with children, could just head/face area be sensitive?

[@starleah1359]

I have just rescued a 12.2 3 year old colt who was very clearly abused and tethered to the ground with chains and more horrible things he has clearly had a sack round the head because as soon and u raise your hand near his head he either mini tears or try’s to bite you so I’ll try this and see if it helps x

[@mayac218]

I just realized I’ve been clicker training without realizing it.. whenever my horse did what I wanted, I would say “yes!” Or “good!” And give a treat. I didn’t realize until now that it was clicker training with vocal cues haha

[@melissabayer8254]

M Chom it's close! But vocal cues vary and have emotions behind it. A click is a sound. It's short, emotionless sound that bridges the behaviour to the reward. You can replace the clicker with a click of the tounge. Not clucking though. Has to be different. You get results SO much faster with a click as it marks the EXACT moment rather than the second or two you day "good ____"

[@mayac218]

Melissa Bayer but it still gets the point across and still has the same affect. And many people fumble with their clicker before making the sound, so it isn’t exact either

[@leealexander3507]

I had to spend an entire day just to get Sweetheart to stop striking and throwing me to the ground with his teeth if I reached toward his head or touched it. Now he drops his head into my arms in order to have the side of his face stroked softly. He's still touchy about the inside of his ears, but we're working on that.

[@jeanclayton565]

Great information.