Teaching a Horse to Target
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I am currently working with a two-year-old thoroughbred stallion. He is extremely aggressive and constantly bites and kicks when touched. Some of the behavior seems playful, but some seems just mean-spirited. How do I create a better bond with this horse so that I feel comfortable grooming him and just being around him?
- Stephanie
You may consider teaching him to “target.” Targeting would require him to place his nose on an object (the target) for a reward. If his nose is on the target, he cannot bite, nor is it easy for him to move to kick. You can use the target to help desensitize him to touch and become comfortable with you.