Herd Bound Horses

The most common causes of herd bound horses are very similar to those of the barn sour horse, and can cause nearly parallel behavior problems.

Major causes are; A lack of human contact due to being in a pasture setting with other horses, and not having regular use.

This causes anxiety and panic when removed from the horses it is accustomed to sharing a pasture with. And just as with the barn sour horse, it can cause stubbornness as well as playing the “you can’t catch me” game out in the pasture. More common behavior problems are the constant loud and desperate whinnying between the horse removed from the pasture and those still in it. This can be disruptive to others in the barn (both horses and people), as well as causing a lot of dancing around while being lead tied and pawing at the ground.

It is vital to get the horses attention back on you. The first way to start this is with round pen work, preferably out of sight of the pasture the horse has been pulled from. After accomplishing the “join-up”, it is VERY important to get in the saddle and ride around the pasture area where the horse was herd bound to show the horse that though he/she is away from the herd, they are safe listening to and being with you. Slowly widen the area away from the pasture until you can ride comfortably and calmly out of view. This may take a while, so be sure to always end on a positive note and reward even the smallest forward progress.

There may be days when you have to go back a few steps and go over basics again, this is okay, try not to get frustrated as the horse will pick up on this emotion and become more stubborn. Remember you are supposed to be a team with full trust in each other.

Become your horses comfort zone and the two of you will create a bond that will last a lifetime.

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