kicking horse

[Kody & Kathie <doublekranch@citlink.net>]

There is more than one reason why horses kick.  It isn't always
aggressive horses.  It's common for the lower ranked herd members
specifically the bottom ranked member to be defensive and kicky when
exposed to new horses, desperately defending their rank with first
bluff.

But Barb's training tips would work for both.  The ground work will give
your horse confidence, and establish you as the lead horse.  As lead
horse you make the decisions, establish rank, guide and protect.  Once
you've earned the horses' trust and respect, it will be confident in
it's position with the lead horse (you) and won't have to actively
protect it's rank, understanding that with you on their back other
horses are no longer a threat.

Also, John Lyons explains how to overcome this problem in an easy to
follow step by step process in his magazine Perfect Horse.  I don't
remember which one, but if you get ahold of one it lists all his mags
and the topics they cover.

Build the confidence!!  It's fear that gets us in trouble.  (human &
horse)  Make sure you're having fun in all your work with your horse.
If you aren't having fun, then certainly the horse isn't.  And what was
the point?  When you go out to the pasture to get a horse, your biggest
problem should be to get only one horse.

Good Luck!!  We all need it.

Kathie
CA