horse bucking when you try to do join-up

Question
I'm going to try and rent a round-pen in the next week or so. I attempted a bit of join-up on our pony Jay this p.m. He's a welsh sec. c, nice temperament, only lightly backed and not properly halter-broken. I'm reading and reading as I try to get him used to us; the lack of a round-pen is holding me back a little. we were in a small rectangular corral. he avoided me running him around in 2 directions by keep switching directions and bucking. he came close to kicking me, so I was glad to stop. will I have this problem when I try and do join-up in a proper facility? will he respond to me swishing the rope to get him to go round if I am able to rent a round-pen -- how do I make sure he doesn't come at me?  Thanks for your help

Answer

Ricky with Sky Hi Josie!

You are GREAT!!!  I love your attitude and that fact that you are reading and just getting out there and trying!  Good for you!

Yes, Jay will continue to try and establish is dominance by kicking at you  and running in toward you until YOU let him know in very clear terms that  THAT is no longer acceptable.  Use your lass rope or the tail end of your rope halter to help you establish the presence and body language that clearly tells your pony that YOU are the  lead mare, boss, and his teacher.  The second, the absolute moment that he attempts to run at you or offers to kick at you, NIP/BITE him with the tail end of your lead.  Make it sting!  You don't have teeth or a powerful hind leg like a real mare would, so you have to use the next best thing.  Get really good, spot on accurate with the tail end of your lead.  Make it a good lead rope.  I like tree line with a good leather popper at the end.  Double Diamond makes a good one, it has just the right weight and feel and can offer a pretty good nip.  Get accurate with the placement of a nip.  Practice every day swinging your lead rope overhand and accurately being able to hit a target.  This way your "nips" can be placed on a shoulder if Jay is running at you or on the hindquarters if he is trying to shape up to kick you!  

A good round pen will help you.  It has no corners for your pony to get stuck in and makes working him so much smoother.  It is not a must to get on the right path with your pony, but it is nice to have.  So, don't just swish  the rope at your pony.  He is telling you that HE is in control and he IS taking over.  You will have to be the bossy lead mare that takes NO back talk from any other herd member and that means JAY!  Watch a mixed band of horses.  Watch the dominate herd leader and see how clear, swift and direct she is with putting lesser members of the band in their place.  Sometimes it is not pretty what horses do to each other, but it is how they communicate.  Horses do not carry a grudge like humans.  They do not have human anger.  Discipline is quick, efficient and then over.  This is how you must be with your pony or your pony will be training YOU!  

If your pony even PREPARES to charge at you, NIP him...HARD!  Do not allow this behavior, not for one second!  Horses take over when the human is lacking confidence, so BE confident!  You are reading and learning and you have guts!  So, you will be able to make changes in this pony.  The more you know the more YOUR confidence will grow.  Be clear, direct and honest with Jay, and never be afraid to offer a good solid nip when he needs it.  Never punish your pony.  Be aware of what happens BEFORE what happens, happens!  Punishment after the fact NEVER works with a horse.  Go to my website and start working your way through the resource list that I have posted on the training page.  Check out the ground work DVD by Buck Brannaman.  It gives you everything from soup to nuts on colt starting and the basics of ground work.  Good stuff.  Keep asking questions and challenging yourself.  I'm always here to offer support and guidance when ever you need it!  You are on the right path, enjoy the journey!

Smiles, Denise!