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I am looking for some guidance on a
horse I'd like to buy. He is an ex-racehorse, about eight years old,
with no information on his history--not even a name.
The problem is that he kicks at
other horses when ridden. He kicks violently with both back feet or one
at a time. It happens when we are stopped or walking slowly. I would
like to do dressage with him, but I can't think of a way to work with
this. Otherwise he's pretty quiet, although he's a little nervous when
ridden alone and can be a bit spooky. Is this fixable? --via e-mail
With a horse like this, I would start by
working to build his confidence around other horses. He might be
inexperienced and insecure around other horses. Perhaps you could turn
him out in a pasture with some kind horses, but make sure the space is
big enough that the horses can get away from one another. The pasture
should just have grass--no hay, grain, or hay bunks at pasture to fight
over or run into.
Under these circumstances, he might
learn to get along fine with other horses. Watch him for a couple of
hours a day and see if he starts to integrate and behave normally at
pasture. If he does, then longe or ride him with those horses nearby as
a challenge. If he doesn't kick, then do the same with some other horses
which are new to him. If he looks as if he's about to kick, just give
him a command to go forward, then praise him when he doesn't kick.
Also, you might find a trainer
experienced with this problem who would be willing to work with you and
your horse. It's always nice to have a hands-on coach.
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