Say NO to barging

Is your horse a bit of a thug? These simple in-hand exercises from stuntman Ben Atkinson will help you set some boundaries

HORSES CAN DEVELOP the frustrating habit of barging past you when the stable door or paddock gate is opened, or spinning around while you’re handling them, knocking you flying. This sort of behaviour shows a lack of discipline and respect for you and, if you don’t take control now, you could get hurt. There can be a number of underlying reasons for this behaviour, including fear of moving through narrow gaps because of a past knock to the hips, or physical pain, which can make the easiest of horses bolshy. Being able to move and control your horse’s feet is the key to promoting good behaviour and stunt rider and trainer Ben Atkinson’s simple exercises will help you achieve this.

As nature intended

In the wild, where horses live companionably in herds, they are extremely respectful of personal space. They won’t push or barge, only approaching others with caution if they feel secure. From day one, foals are taught to keep their distance and not be a nuisance. A lot of bargy behaviour in our horses stems from youngsters not given proper boundaries. If these aren’t put in place early, the horse will mature thinking he doesn’t need them. It’s a behaviour that escalates very quickly, but that doesn’t mean it’s out of the blue — it could be something’s that’s been brewing for quite some time. Your horse may have been — or may currently be — giving you signs that he’s not happy, and spotting these early could stop him getting into the habit of barging. Look out for: Reluctance to move through narrow gaps or load into a box or trailer. Feeling that you’re not in control of his feet. Loss of respect for your personal space.