Buying a Ten year old Recued Horse

by Lindsey
(United States)

Hi,

I found this ten year old Appaloosa at a rescue farm in Edmonton, Ky and he is really pretty! The problem is hes never been handled with for a long time and he doesn't trust me at all! He shy's away! Does the join up work? I have tried brushing him but still doesn't work! I need help??????
Lindsey



Hi Lindsey,

How long had he been at the rescue facility? And what did the people there try to do for and with him? Is he healthy now? Does he have other horse friends with him? How long have you had him?

I would definitely not do join up work if you are referring to putting him in a pen and making him move away from you. This horse is full of FEAR and doing any negative reinforcement will only make his trust for humans worse. He demonstrates that all his human experiences have left him feeling untrustworthy of any human contact so you must do the opposite of what everyone else has already done!

All horses like consistent routines in their lives. This brings a sense of security. So with highly fearful horses I start by just being present around them, talking softly but I want their curiosity in me to come forth instead of me trying to touch them. Sometimes just sitting in a chair while reading a book in their paddock can inspire curiosity and if they were to approach me, I wouldn’t do anything at first. In fact leaving is more powerful to a frightened horse then staying too long is. Leaving and returning, leaving and returning.

Creating consistent patterns of food delivery is helpful too. Feed something he likes at the same time in the same bucket every day until you can see him looking forward to your arrival.

Hopefully you have other horses with him too. This way he can witness you having kind interactions with other horses and learn from this too.

From here and the most powerful training tool you can use is positive reinforcement also known as Clicker Training . It builds trust like no other method available!

Elaine Polny
Horses by Nature