horse attitude

Question
I aquired 2 horses in October 06. My problem is the one horse who is 3 years old. He seems to be very scared and head shy. everytime I have to take him somewhere (ex. pasture,stall, walks) he will not let me get his halter. One time he even turned on me like he was going to kick me.
I don't know his history, I got him at an auction, but it seems like he was abused. He acts scared like I am going to hit him. How can I gain his trust?
Denise

Answer
Hello Denise,

I am guessing that he may have been hit with a halter or bridle.  Yes, abused, poor thing. This may have happened when he tried to get at his hay or grain while the groom was in the act of feeding and to keep him away, the groom may have hit him in the face.  We don't know, but obviously he was hit.  Here is what I would do.

You may need two people at first, but soon you will be able to get his trust if you do this.  Take some of those small apple treats, or even bits of carrot or apple. Have someone hold the treat in his hand while you get closer to the horse. Let him eat while you slip the halter strap behind his ears and then you hold the treat and feed him while the other person buckles.  You may be able to accomplish this by yourself if you are very quiet and slow. The main thing is that he needs to associate pleasure with the halter and pleasure with you.  Treats work wonders in accomplishing almost everything with a horse. It will surely establish trust.  Take your time with this three year old. Let him settle in for at least two months with just a bit of handling every day so that he can develop that trust.

At the same time, you need to establish that you are the leader of the herd.  Many horses that have been mistreated turn into mean horses because their new owners are too accepting of bad behavior out of pity and gentleness.  If he is misbehaving, a light and quick punishment is called for, and when he is good reward with that treat.  He will learn by association.  And then as he is getting calmer and more trusting, cut down on the treats so that he does not expect them and become a nipper.  I have found that respect and trust must be developed together. Patience is called for.

Happy riding,
Dorothy