Skittish around pigs....

jackie_smackie_ · 12-23-2006, 02:35 PM

Our mare is skittish around the pig house. Last time I rode her past I got off and led her down the hill twice towards the house. I made her go about two steps at a time. She did pretty good when I led her but if I was on her she would just not go past it. How do I get her desensitized to it? I mean she can hear (and smell

) them all the time. I don't understand why she is skittish when we walk near them? And how do I get her used to them?

Also, if you can give me any excersises I can do with her up and down hills that would be appreciated. I know I've already asked about hillwork and stuff but I just want some simple short things I can do with her during my Christmas break. The road up and down hills around here are covered with rocks so I try to keep her off of them for fear she'll get one stuck in her hoof or she'll trip and hurt herself.

OH, and something else, should we leave her halter on when we ride her with the bridle also? We've been doing that the past few times but I don't really want to leave the halter on.... All suggestions are welcome!!!!!!!! Thanks!!

EquineJessie · 12-23-2006, 09:42 PM

Never met a horse that didn't hate pigs.

Super Step · 12-23-2006, 10:11 PM

I am not sure how to desensitize for pigs other than just keeping the horse around them, letting the horse know the pigs are not going to eat her.
You are the comfort blanket when you are on the ground with her. Kind of like a young child holding mothers hand for reassurance. Plus you being between her and the pigs, she knows you will get eaten first.

When you are on her back she does not have the reassurance she has when yo are leading. Her head is the closest to the pigs. You are on her, not visible. She needs to feel comfortable knowing you are still her protector, that you will not place her in harms way.
Time and trust.

I would spend as much time just riding her and letting her know she can trust you in different environments. Once you build the trust bond then the pigs may not be such a big issue for her.

SaddleUp158 · 12-24-2006, 09:02 PM

do you have a pasture or small turnout area near the pigs? if so turn her out in there with another horse and just let her get used to them. you can even feed her at the side closest to the pigs just so she sees them more but is getting to eat at the same time. dunno if it will help. good luck!

Chester · 12-24-2006, 09:06 PM

I don't blame her. Pigs stink.

imacowgirl2 · 12-26-2006, 02:06 PM

You can ride with the halter on or off...I prefer off as it looks nicer IMO, and my bridle fits better without the halter under, but if I am trail riding and know I will be stopping and tying for lunch I will leave a halter on so that I don't have to tie it to my saddle.

aBreeze · 12-26-2006, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EquineJessie

Never met a horse that didn't hate pigs.

MaxiMoo loves her pigglywiggly.

12-23-2006, 02:35 PM	#1
jackie_smackie_ Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 315 Images: 69	Skittish around pigs.... Our mare is skittish around the pig house. Last time I rode her past I got off and led her down the hill twice towards the house. I made her go about two steps at a time. She did pretty good when I led her but if I was on her she would just not go past it. How do I get her desensitized to it? I mean she can hear (and smell ) them all the time. I don't understand why she is skittish when we walk near them? And how do I get her used to them? Also, if you can give me any excersises I can do with her up and down hills that would be appreciated. I know I've already asked about hillwork and stuff but I just want some simple short things I can do with her during my Christmas break. The road up and down hills around here are covered with rocks so I try to keep her off of them for fear she'll get one stuck in her hoof or she'll trip and hurt herself. OH, and something else, should we leave her halter on when we ride her with the bridle also? We've been doing that the past few times but I don't really want to leave the halter on.... All suggestions are welcome!!!!!!!! Thanks!! __________________ "Believe it!" -Naruto Uzumaki Ancora Imparo -"I am still learning"

12-24-2006, 09:06 PM	#5
Chester Senior Member+ Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: inland of the coral sea Posts: 13,479 Images: 869	I don't blame her. Pigs stink. __________________ Aussie Aussie Aussie OI OI OI Senior Australian Correspondent Is it full moon time again? Did the cereal truck overturn and fruitloops got spilt? Thanks for your time,then you can thank me for mine, after that's said, forget it. Rodriguouz

12-26-2006, 02:06 PM	#6
imacowgirl2 Senior Member+ Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: here, there, and everywhere! Posts: 2,824 Images: 234 Blog Entries: 17	You can ride with the halter on or off...I prefer off as it looks nicer IMO, and my bridle fits better without the halter under, but if I am trail riding and know I will be stopping and tying for lunch I will leave a halter on so that I don't have to tie it to my saddle. __________________ Interested in horse nutrition? Check out my website: Understanding Horse Nutrition

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12-23-2006, 09:42 PM	#2
EquineJessie Senior Member+ Join Date: May 2005 Location: Central Coast, CA Posts: 1,612 Images: 283	Never met a horse that didn't hate pigs.

12-23-2006, 10:11 PM	#3
Super Step Senior Moderator Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Alabama Posts: 13,840 Images: 234 Blog Entries: 50	I am not sure how to desensitize for pigs other than just keeping the horse around them, letting the horse know the pigs are not going to eat her. You are the comfort blanket when you are on the ground with her. Kind of like a young child holding mothers hand for reassurance. Plus you being between her and the pigs, she knows you will get eaten first. When you are on her back she does not have the reassurance she has when yo are leading. Her head is the closest to the pigs. You are on her, not visible. She needs to feel comfortable knowing you are still her protector, that you will not place her in harms way. Time and trust. I would spend as much time just riding her and letting her know she can trust you in different environments. Once you build the trust bond then the pigs may not be such a big issue for her.

12-24-2006, 09:02 PM	#4
SaddleUp158 Senior Member+ Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 2,476 Images: 121	do you have a pasture or small turnout area near the pigs? if so turn her out in there with another horse and just let her get used to them. you can even feed her at the side closest to the pigs just so she sees them more but is getting to eat at the same time. dunno if it will help. good luck!