How to “rehab” a Horribly Cinchy/girthy Horse?

by PHOTO/arts Magazine

Question by Girl on Fire: How to “rehab” a horribly cinchy/girthy horse?
My new lease horse (possible horse if things work out) is a doll, but she is also horribly cinchy/girthy with both the English and Western saddles. YES- she has been checked out for soreness or pain but no issues were found, although I still want to get her checked out for stomach ulcers.

I really like this girl, but this problem which undoubtedly started with someone being rough or unkind while tacking her up. She probably felt pain and now the bad behavior is left over. I can manage to tack her by myself because I won’t allow her to win, but I would prefer not to be hurt and I would prefer this problem to go away!

She tries to nip, gnaws on whatever she ties to, cow kicks (though she does it slowly so I’m not sure if she’s actually trying to kick ME), kicks at her belly, and does the blowfish thing.

What I do is be gentle and go slow. One hole at a time. Lots of praise and petting when she stands still and ignores it. If she tries to bite and block with with my elbow to her nose. If she kicks I push her a little to knock her off balance (not to the point she falls of course! I’m not that strong and she’s half draft) so she is forced to put all four feet on the ground. Once the saddle is on and done up, no more problems.

If this doesn’t improve within a few weeks I will go to a trainer. However I’m hoping time will solve this issue, and her knowing I will go slow and be gentle.

Do you have any advice with this?

Best answer:

Answer by Shalazar the Wizard
Euthanize the horse, start again with a fresh one.

Answer by May
Well, if it’s a boxing match, no wonder she hates it. I’m surprised you don’t hate it also. I think you should find a smart trainer. You both need retraining. However, not all trainers are smart. In fact, most are just trying to make a buck, so be choosy and pick someone with real credentials.

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