March. 4, 2020 – Ask Monty Newsletter

Question: Is your horse explosive?

Looking for ideas on how to help a horse that is on stall rest and can only be hand walked post surgery. He gets so, quite understandably, full of energy that he gets explosive, which makes going for a quiet hand walk challenging to say the least and I don’t want him to injure himself or me! How can I help him calm is mind and body?

Thank you for all that you do!

Sincerely,
Jennifer Taylor and Moe :)

Monty’s Answer:

Dear Jennifer,

This is a situation met by many owners. Follow the advice of your veterinarian on substances you might use to help quieten him to an extent that he is safe for you to lead. There is never an easy answer, but a conversation with your vet might suggest that a tranquilizer is necessary. You might think that this may be harmful, but I promise that a horse’s hoof landing on your head is far more harmful.

A good area with secure fencing and good footing is very important. Walking in an straight line back and forth is generally one solution. Often there is a hallway or breezeway with reasonable footing or footing that can be made reasonable, and then walking where two walls discourage bad behavior is a possibility. Schooling with the Dually Halter is an option if the need isn’t already a factor. Studying my methods will find the use of the Dually Halter to be a safety measure practically unsurpassed.

Sincerely,

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