Some people and horses are not patient enough at the gate when moving from one place to another. Moving horses from the pasture to the stable can be a moment of stress instead of pleasure.

Here is a lesson I would like to share with you.

Let’s say you are moving two horses from a paddock with no grass to a pasture full of grass and the horses know this is where they are going. The feeling and pulse you get from your horses is that they did not have any grass for months and it’s on high time that you move them fast to where they can finally E-A-T. You almost know before you get the halter that there will be stressful moments where you may have to correct your horse stronger than you wish.

I had lots of stressful moments myself moving horses. Today I have found a way to make it nice and easy which also gives us a good start of the day.

Just watch this small movie clip where I move Jack and Spirit from a field with little grass to a place with a lots of grass and guava fruits. The horses are patient first coming out of the field with little grass and then when they are going into the field with a lot of grass.

 

Looks easy doesn’t it?

Well it was not in the beginning but here are 10 useful steps that might help you and your horse;

1. Go get the halters and wait before you take them off the hook. You help yourself get in the waiting mood.
2. Make sure you have a bit of extra time when you decide to try these steps.
3. To go the stable door or the paddock gate and wait. Your horses are likely to come as they know where you are going to take them.
4. Once the horses are nice and calm, then open the door and wait.
5. When the horses stand still. Meaning they do not organize each other or you, then put their halters on and wait.
6. Walk the horses out of the gate and wait. Wait until the horse is not pulling you in the direction she would like to go.
7. Walk a few steps and …yes stop and wait.
8. Walk to the place you want to go and before the gate – wait.
9. Walk the horses inside the field and let them wait before you talk the halter off.
10. Remember to keep the “wait” in a length of time which sets you and your horse up for success…

    Hope this is of help. Let me know.

    Much sunshine and rain from St. Vincent

    Stina