NEWS & ARTICLES : Micco's Story, Part 2

Micco's Story, Part 2 (originally published in PetFolio magazine)

In Part I readers were introduced to a young gelding named Micco. He had been labeled a rogue, but that label may prove to be untrue…

Micco had loaded himself into the trailer for the ride back to our place. We calmly unloaded Micco and led him straight away to his large outdoor pen with roomy shelter. He was curious about things, but not too fearful. He seemed really interested in such a large living area. (Remember he had been kept in a stall without any outdoor access.) It was purposefully away from other horses. He could see and hear them, but could not touch noses with them. He had not gotten along with other horses in the past, and he didn't seem to mind being somewhat apart from them now.

Here are a few of the things we quickly discovered about Micco. He would pin his ears when he was fed, and look threatening. Occasionally he would attempt to charge, adding emphasis to his threat. When his pen was cleaned daily, he would offer similar behavior, all with rolling, wild eyes. Occasionally he would cock a hind leg, as if he was thinking about kicking. We could not even think about touching or petting him during feeding time – those were "fightin' words".

Haltering him was difficult. He would raise his head high, roll his eyes, often trying to bite. When we took him out for exercise, initially he would rear and strike the air with both front feet (in the direction of the handler). He would try to charge off ahead of the handler, and essentially try to drag the handler wherever he wanted to go (often to get to another horse to cause a fight). He frequently leaned his shoulder toward the handler, and drove the handler wherever he wanted to go. Once in the exercise area (we used the round pen initially) he would occasionally act as if he was going to attack or charge any human around. Returning to his pen, he would occasionally just plant his feet and refuse to pass by another horse. During grooming he would attempt to bite or refuse to pick up his feet for cleaning. There were several areas of his body that seemed to evoke a huge negative reaction from Micco. I think you have a pretty good picture of how Micco started out.

Here are a few highlights of the things we changed for Micco. Please keep in mind that it is impossible in brief form to convey all intricacies of the situation.

Problem: High headedness with rolling, wild eyes and attempts to bite when approached, either at liberty or to be haltered. Cause: Sometimes fear (I think you are going to hit me, or I'm uncertain as to your intent) sometimes dominance (I think if I can have my head over you, that I can run the show) Solution: For fear, do not recoil the hand; ask for the head to lower, patiently and persistently, reward upon compliance. Reward is to release, possibly stroking the face, speaking softly. Require two eyes, rather than only one looking at you. For dominance, require head down and head stillness, then reward again. Repeat immediately and frequently to check "throughness" – in other words, did he get the point. For the biting aspect of this problem, staying focused on what you want (versus what you don't want) helps. If the teeth genuinely come out to get you, an explosive reaction is required from you (e.g. hissing and spitting, etc.) followed by immediate return to the prior procedures. Now we can rub him all over with minimal biting threat, no ear pinning, and generally have a polite, head-down horse. We even smooch his nose, which he likes very much.

Problem: ear pinning and potential threats via charging, striking, kicking while cleaning stall. Cause: fear and dominance, see above. Solution: Never take a step backwards during this moment if possible – always move forward, or else travel laterally (to the side). Backwards stepping with a charging, dominant horse admits subservience. Lateral stepping is non-threatening and more neutral. Send horse away by whatever means necessary. Walk boldly with high energy during this moment. Release the "send away" pressure when horse looks at you with kinder expression. Reward with release of pressure, and soft, toning words of praise, as well as overall relaxation of the body (no tension visible, deep breathing). We followed this with the approach to Micco's face, repeating the first sequence of events. There is now no danger to being in his pen with him for any reason. We will even turn our backs on him, trusting him to be good.

Problem: ear pinning and threatening behavior at feeding time. Cause: fear and dominance. My food is my well-being – I'm afraid you won't let me eat to live, therefore I demand it now, and protect it fiercely. Dominant horses always eat first and most. Solution: Never feed while ears are pinned and eyes are rolling. Wait patiently until the ears pop forward, then feed quickly and leave. Everyone who fed was required to follow these procedures. It grew to the point where Micco now patiently waits for his food, never threatens the person feeding, and is simply happy to eat. We can even rub him down while he is eating, ask him to move his hips over or clean around his feet while he is eating. He no longer threatens us, and rarely pins his ears. (He will never get fed until the ears are "nice ears", if he is having a problem.)

Problem: inability to be led quietly, complete with occasionally rearing, striking, bolting, herding with the shoulder, etc. Cause: I don't know where I belong, and I don't know what I am supposed to do. I'm fighting for status. I intend to make all the decisions here, and you had better know it and acquiesce to my wishes. Solution: Clearly defined space parameters, with 100% commitment and diligence to the specifics of this. Follow through until it is achieved. Be as soft as possible but as firm as necessary (which may be a lot firmer than you might like to be). Use anything and everything you have at your disposal to get your point across – halter, lead rope, voice, body, energy, stick or wand if needed. Release all (I mean every ounce of it) pressure once Micco arrives at his "position". His position will be defined down to his feet, within specific square footage. It is not enough to have him just slow down and not drag you. It is not enough to have him only keep his front feet on the ground. Know that he who moves his feet first is low man on the totem pole. Know also that whomever is out front is the leader, so it will never be Micco. Act like a leader. Know exactly what you want, and keep at it without rest until it is achieved. Be clearer faster, so he can get it quicker and it will last longer.

Here are some other things we addressed immediately. The dentist came out and worked on Micco's teeth. He had some significant issues going on in his mouth. Husband Mark worked on his body (remember there were spots we couldn't even touch) and found him to be very sore in many areas. He improved greatly after these two things happened.

Additionally, we used our own horses to help Micco get socialized, and work out how to be a good horse. Horses best teach that. Our young mare Bailey is extremely wise, and was very happy to help us teach him! Now he can be out with any of the other horses. He still presses his boundaries with everyone in sight, but now within the parameters of fair horse play.

Some discoveries about Micco are that he is extremely playful, curious and gregarious by nature. To deny him something to do is akin to placing him in a cell. He needs daily attention, petting, loving and exercise. Without these things, he goes a bit mad. But then, that's just being the horse he was made to be. Horses weren't designed to be cooped up – they are supposed to be busy foraging, flirting and frolicking, so we must honor that in our horses as much as we can.

Micco is four now, and his now-18-year-old owner is much braver, smarter and happier about the situation with her horse. She is riding him again, and we are developing his understanding of under-saddle work as we continue to hone his behavior on the ground. She loves him dearly, and is committed to continuing to develop her relationship with this special horse. I believe I can safely say he won't ever be headed for the glue factory!

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