Problems With Tacking Up

by Angie Dodd
(Cornwall)

A friend has had problems tacking up her thorough bred mare... she is extremely sensitive around the girth and around her chest. On tacking her up she will kick out sideways or kick out from the front. She also bites and is tied on a short rope because of this. I feel that maybe she has not bonded with people and is so being defensive although she is 15 years old and showing aggression and fear. How would this be approached? I do feel this could be handled and know it would take a long and patient time to cure. I was thinking of taking this horse on. As in the saddle she is amazing?





Hi Angie,

There must be quite a story behind why this horse is so defensive and has chosen to “fight back”. But it is also clear that the methods used to alleviate her unwanted behaviors have only increased the intensity. You are correct that she has not bonded but also has become very “distrustful” of people. Very sad, yet I must point out the obvious, who holds the responsible for her experiences that led her to this conclusion?

I would definitely approach this with positive reinforcement AKA Clicker Training. Distrustfulness equals FEAR and fear cannot be disbanded through negative means such as tying her on a short rope. Not to mention the many other ways people have forced her in order for them to complete the tacking up process. I don't even want to think about that one.

You have pointed out the effect (biting/striking/kicking) yet there is much more information that lead to the cause. Her entire lifestyle and health needs to be reconsidered. Could she be hurting in any of these places physically? You mention at the point of tacking up, but how well does she get caught? Does she approach people willingly? I doubt it. Can she be brushed and touched everywhere? If not that's where you start. Building trust is the only goal, not ridding her. In fact no person has the right to get on top until they can be trusted by HER!

Patience will be required but the pay off of gaining her trust, PRICELESS!!


Elaine