Horse Behavior Problems

Question
Ok, well i have had my horse for a year and things have gone well, but he has allways had an attitude problem. He has gotten so much better in the pasture, (before he would never let me catch him but now he comes up to the gate) but he still has a bad attitude all the time. Like whenever i get him out of his stall, or when im just petting him, he pins his ears straight back and sometimes even threats to bite. Of course, whenever he misbehaves i slap him& tell him its bad, but sometimes it just makes it worse. I have been trying to spend more time with him, but we both have busy schedules so i dont know what to do. Any suggestions on how to get him to build more trust in me?
Thanks, Amy

Answer
Amy,

First off, this isn't a question of "trust" but respect.  He is being very disrespectful to you. This could best be worked out in a round pen.  He needs to learn that you cannot be treated in this manner, it's unacceptable.  Your horse is a gelding and he should not behave this way towards you, he needs to recognize you as "lead mare".  

You say you don't have a lot of time, but that's at the crux of this problem.  This is not quickly addressed but can be overcome with some time and work.  It's also not something someone else can do; you have to do it.  Somehow, someway you are going to have to make some time for him to get this worked out.  Otherwise I fear this will only get worse. Your first session will undoubtedly last a while, maybe some hours.  Figure out how to set aside a day, even if it means taking off from work, for the first time.  You need to be able to approach him without fretting about how long it takes.  If unfamiliar with round pen work get the Pat Parelli videos on the 7 games.  By the time you've worked through these he'll have had a real attitude adjustment.  Watching the videos is much more informative than reading about it because you can watch the reactions of the horse.  If you don't have a round pen then take a small paddock, close off the corners with some of that yellow "Caution" tape that you can get at a home improvement store.  Lacing it back and forth several times works very well and takes the corners away.  

If this horse means something to you then he's worth the investment of your time.  I know it can be hard but it can be done.  Then you and he can go on to a long, rewarding time together.  

Good luck to you both!

Lyn