Horse with sudden agression

Question
Hi there. I've had my 3 1/2 year old for just about 3 months. He has some pushy manners on the groung that we've been working on and with which he has progressed. He can be mouthy, but not terribly nippy, we've worked on that as well, and he, again, became better with time. He has been a charm to ride. He came from PA (Amish) and I bought him from a local person, finding out later that her training methods can be harsh and that she has many kids that handle her horses who are not exactly safety conscious. Since his 3 months, we've done a little ground work, which, as I stated, he progressed nicely with. We have done a good amount of riding w/t/c and he is a charm. Beautiful, slow, even balanced gaits at all times. One month ago he was turned out with his usual buddy and one other horse with whom he loves to play. He has been on a bit more grass for 3 weeks. One week ago he began treatment for lyme. Due to schedule and weather, he had not been ridden for 2 weeks. Last time I went to ride he seemed a bit agitated on the cross ties, and a slight bit girthy (unusual). He began to walk off when I was mounting, tossing his head, etc. I corrected him, got my butt on and foot in other stirrup, and he was just a bundle of nerves/energy. Tossing his head, walking off, I could barely get him to slow his pace. I finally got him to do a couple "half halts" and then finally to stop, and then I hopped off. I fractured my spine over a year ago, and will not take chances getting thrown. He has been very agitated ever since. On the ground, pushing into your space, on the cross ties, very anxious, high headed, etc. Today my trainer came to "evaluate" and she was shocked. He seemed like a much different horse than she had worked with when we brought him home, very aggressive and combative. She thinks something must've happened to him (we board and there are many teens at the barn). I wonder if it's physical because timing wise it coencides with the meds he's on. Or, is it just that he's had time off and is challenging. I love this guy, would hate to see him go off to who knows where, but am not going to get hurt, or pay for something that I can't ride and have limited time and skill to work with him in his combative state. Any thoughts? Thanks so much.

Answer
Hi Judy!

I would have him checked out by the vet because drugs can change any living being and their behaviors.  If that is ruled out, you will have to fix it yourself or with your trainer.


So, if it's not medical it's either fear, ignorance or defiance.  You have only had this guy a short time and you may not be able to tell which of these it is right away.

You will have to experiment for awhile and see what he is telling you.  I would stop riding him and work on just ground manners and longeing him...no need to rush him.

When you said you had not ridden him for 2 weeks, does that include no training of any kind?  Nothing, no longeing, no ground work?  If so, that is way too long for a baby to go with no direction or guidence.  This could be part of the problem.  

I re-read your last sentance and I feel such a young horse may have been a poor choice for you.  Yes, he's sweet and tries to please you but, then the ugly stuff starts and you feel in over your head.  I would have recommended a real campaigner than that's seen it all, done it all and does not care if you don't touch him for half a month, he'll always be the same ride.

However, he is now your responsibility and it is up to you to either pass him along to a more knowledagble person or to try and work with him.  If you feel you can try and see what happens, I would start slow.

Start with the most basic thing..the first thing you do with him on a daily basis.  Is it taking him out of the stall?  Start there.  Move slowly and confidently and intermittenly reward him with food.  Next step, walking him on a line....don't hold too tight and always walk him with a chain over his nose.  Use a longeline so if he gets heady or obnoxious, you can just let out the line and walk backwards away from him and then re-approach him.  Do not be afraid to shank him on the nose if you see him about to start up ~ it will not make things worse, it will get his attention and respect.

He is very, very young and needs to be paid attentio to every second you are handling him...guess his next move and if it's not what you want, then correct him immediately.  Don't treat him like an old veteran to riding.  He is not.  He is a baby.

Start there and build a bond of respect and trust.  You really have not owned him very long and he needs to be taught how to be around you and what is acceptable and what is not.  Always think "BABY" on the other end of the line and act accordingly.  It is hard but, very rewarding to turn them around!

Good Luck and remember to always wear an ASTM/SEI approved helmet!

Solange