Horse sometimes disrespectful?
How do I improve this ? Examples: I was showing him a tarp, and he didn't like it, so he ran away. I began to walk up to him when suddenly he charged. I yelled, and threw my arms around and he turned away. I got on the other side of the fence, and watched him. Eventually, he came up to my and acted like nothing happened ! This has happened before, and I don't get close enough to give him a tap on the neck. I am thinking ground training ?? He hardly does this, and seems to come when is fight or flight mode kicks in, and he chooses fight. I don't want him to do this again, soo...? Thanks.
Update:No, this wasn't his first time seeing a tarp. he's smelting one, walked over one, all at complete ease, that's why I was so confused. He wasn't wearing his halter/lead rope. Thanks for the advice everyone. It was just weird, he doesn't act like this usually
Comments
You showed him tarp? What, for the first time? If he was frightened by it of course he will run away/etc.! I don't see anything disrespectful about expressing his fears.
And for the "He came back and acted like nothing had happened" Well, yes. He will do that - I have seen peoples' Horses misbehave and then about 1 or 2 mins after the person will shout/tap the Horse, by then the Horse will have forgotten... And maybe your Horse was trying to say 'sorry'.
I kind of want to know why you did not have him under control when showing the tarp? When my Horses do something bad or disrespectful I will tug on their halter (Just so you know, I'm fair with my Horses, I would never hurt them but they're big Animals and very capable of injuring something/someone) Seriously, you cant just click your fingers and the Horse will magically be perfect, it needs time and patience. Please, don't use abuse or treats to get him to behave because it will not work.
By the way, By all that I said, I was not saying you should cower down to him and let him think he's the boss. But you should think about what you're doing, be firm but fair with him - Show him that you're in control and wont take any of his crap, but if you respect him, he will respect you.
Don't back down, ever once you do he'll be tempted to try and make you back down again and again, Take new things slow till he learns that your not going to do anything awful, a quick way to show him who's boss is to put your hand over his nose while he is on a halter and rope, don't move your hand if he shakes is head, if your hand slips then put it back as soon as you can, keep this up till he holds his head still, and then pet him and tell him all that stuff. Horses show respect by accepting the hand on their nose.
Start doing groundwork. mostly teach him things like yielding the hindquartes backing, yielding the forequarters, side passing etc. teach him to move when you tell him to. he is not in charge. when he comes after you to make you move go back after him to make him move even harder and faster, but don't get hurt or be abusive. Also i would make sure he isn't hurting anywhere. But for the most part i would do groundwork, teach him to repect you and your boundaries, next time he may not stop. Good luck with the training
Definitely ground work, and if you can find some Clinton Anderson videos to watch to see what he does that would help. But you have to do it yourself or you won't get the respect. Sounds like you have backed down from him and he knows it. Might be good to get somebody else to work with him first and then let you try it.
If so keep using harm upon it than it will be fully respectful to you.