Trust??

luckyhorseshoes · 11-05-2007, 11:42 PM

I was wandering if putting some sort of "blindfold" on your horse to get them to trust you would work? and leading them around a while and possibly riding them but I'm not sure on that part. Just wandering what you guys and gals think of this. Thanks in advance.

Also if you have any suggestions of how to gain trust with your horse would be great!!

cascy · 11-05-2007, 11:45 PM

I like the roundpen to establish trust and respect. I wouldn't recommend blind folding your horse until you have some sort of "foundation" with them, other wise you could wind up in a heck of a mess...

You might check out some of clinton anderson's tapes, or find a trainer you could watch... Roundpenning is great for getting respect and trust... They learn they are safe with you and that your' the "leader" and also learn that it's better to be part of "your herd" then without you... if that makes sense

Horse poor · 11-06-2007, 06:19 AM

I would not put a blindfold on a horse to build trust. I'd build trust in other ways like round pen work and being consistent with how you work with your horse so he knows the rules. Riding a blindfolded horse is a real accident waiting to happen. To many things can go wrong in a hurry.

I have blindfolded a horse that I had owned for 15 years. He and I knew when the other would draw their next breath we were so in tune. I had already built a strong foundation of trust with him. The blindfold was not tied either. It was just tucked into the side of halter so I could get it loose immediately.

**gbarmranch** · 11-06-2007, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cascy

I like the roundpen to establish trust and respect. I wouldn't recommend blind folding your horse until you have some sort of "foundation" with them, other wise you could wind up in a heck of a mess...

You might check out some of clinton anderson's tapes, or find a trainer you could watch... Roundpenning is great for getting respect and trust... They learn they are safe with you and that your' the "leader" and also learn that it's better to be part of "your herd" then without you... if that makes sense

I am going with Casey on this as well..

Remember, in a wild herd, the lead mare is the one whose guidence means survival or death for the rest of the horses... They book no disrespect, because the lives of all literally depend on following orders..

In a domestic horse, obviously that issue is not so extreme - but the primal instinct to have a strong leader is still there.. and you, as the human, must take the position of lead mare for your own safety and the mental comfort and stability of the horses and the herd..

Round penning, done correctly, allows you to establish that position, wihtout being abusive... I love Clinton and Cox for that..

After you have developed the herd dynamics with you as the respected leader, then you can play the games of Paralli, Linda Tellington-Jones, etc.. to build further trust and bonding..

Jess6092 · 11-06-2007, 06:35 AM

Yup, I agree with all above. I just wanted to add we have used a blind fold to get a horse in a trailer one time. He was a stud (that should have been a gelding!) but he had never left the farm and there was a fire coming so they had to get all the animals out. We hauled the trailer in as far as the firemen would let us, and the guy rode the horse the rest of the way out to meet us. Then we find out he has never loaded! Soooo with all of the guys practically lifting this horses rear end and trying to push him in the trailer, nothing worked. We were kind of in a rush because of the fire and the guy would not have had enough time to just ride out. SO one of the firemen who knew nothing about horses suggested putting a blindfold on it to lead it in. He said he saw it in black beauty and maybe it would work! hehe Well we were very skeptical but tried anyway. We tied a sweatshirt around his eyes, and he stepped right in! :O Sorry it got so long, but that is my blind folded horse story! It truly does work in some situations.

**seerfarm** · 11-06-2007, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luckyhorseshoes

I was wandering if putting some sort of "blindfold" on your horse to get them to trust you would work? and leading them around a while and possibly riding them but I'm not sure on that part. Just wandering what you guys and gals think of this. Thanks in advance.

Also if you have any suggestions of how to gain trust with your horse would be great!!

I think a way to put this would not be to get there trust, but to earn it!

I agree that this is best learned and earned on the ground, like the lead member of a herd would accomplish it. Once you have completely accomplished getting and giving respect, so that there are no questions as to what is expected and your horses roll in your herd, then you can move onto trust.

I use the blindfold technique in my training, but only when I have earned complete and total respect for who I am and where I stand in the herd.

StablemasterE · 11-06-2007, 06:43 AM

I think the round pen is the way. I use it everyday on all the horses here. I also use gromming time. I pick up their feet, brush and curry, look at teeth, run my hands all over them all without being tied. I have found doing in their stall is a real bonding time. Now Im not saying they shouldnt be tied or anything like that b/c all of mine are groomed a couple times a week tied just to have that balance. I even do excersices where they are tied while I clean stalls and so on. Its all about balance and being a strong leader. Good Luck!

Mule Fool · 11-06-2007, 07:27 AM

I was wondering where you got the idea of the blindfold. Does somebody use that as a training method? I have heard of it used like Jess mentioned with a frightened horse or to pack game on a pack animal. I had just never heard of it as a training method.
I guess the idea would be that by taking away one of their senses and then having them have to rely on you that would build some trust. My gut feeling is that it would not be as good a method as just the day in day out work of becoming reliable and trustworthy to your horse, but I just don't know.

Desert Lane Training · 11-06-2007, 07:45 AM

The Indians were BIG on blindfolding to gain trust. And while there is a place for it we have come up with better methods since then.

NoniMe · 11-06-2007, 08:34 AM

I work with my boy every time in the round pen. Only recently have I begun putting my hands over his eyes and playing "blind horse." I'll do this on the ground, as a desensitizing thing (he gets wiggy when things fly at his face, so I fly my hands at his head and 'land' on his eyes), and then, in the saddle, I'll reach up and cover his eyes for a few seconds too. I haven't asked him to move while he's 'blind', but that will come.

However; I've only started this in the last two weeks, and we've been together working nearly daily for about 6 months...in the round pen, on the ground, and while riding. So I'd caution you to take your time.

Respect is earned, and is not a fast occurance. The horse needs to know you'll keep him safe, and that will take time, and experiences, before he learns that and believes it. So don't rush things; take the time to do it right, and you'll have a horse that will do what you ask. Rush it, and you'll have a battle on your hands that you will not win.

Best-
Noni

xpinkpink · 11-06-2007, 11:44 AM

I'm not sure I would blind fold a horse...seems like the trust would be more "me" trusting the horse not to go bonkers...and I really don't want to take that chance, seems dangerous to me.

I like the fact that my horse can see so that if something happened to me, like a fly hits me in the eye or whatever and I'm temp. blinded..as least the horse can see where we are going.

But I've been hurt so much riding horses I don't trust ANY horse fully. Doesn't matter how much I can emotionally personify them, they are still animals with instints.(sp)

David · 11-06-2007, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Desert Lane Training

The Indians were BIG on blindfolding to gain trust. And while there is a place for it we have come up with better methods since then.

While I have used blindfolds in a pinch, and probably will again, ground training is my prefered method.

I was on a first ride with a 3yr old filly and she saw another horse panic at a water crossing. She had crossed water during ground training but didn't want to after she watched another horse throw a fit. I blindfolded her and led her around then I led her into the water and mounted. I rode the rest of the ride with boots full of water, but the filly has never had another problem crossing water.

So sometimes they have their uses but I wouldn't want to use them as the first option for gaining trust.

I don't think I would ever ride a blindfolded horse, to me that's just got bad idea written all over it.

b-mark · 11-06-2007, 12:39 PM

Perhaps, instead of going as drastic as blind folding... do what I did?

I took Mark at dusk (not that they don't see better than we do... but they seem alot more on 'guard')... and walk him to/through unfamiliar terrain..

Up and down hills.... unsure footing... that sorta thing... It worked well with us...

Good luck and keep us posted!

HAYHAYSTABLES · 11-06-2007, 02:35 PM

I have heard of people doing that.
I have also seen it done at the stables where my walking horse is at.
They put half blinders on the horse to get them to step higher.
I do know and have heard alot about full blinders.
It can make a horse pass out .
If there not used to any type of blinder.

luckyhorseshoes · 11-06-2007, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mule Fool

I was wondering where you got the idea of the blindfold. Does somebody use that as a training method? I have heard of it used like Jess mentioned with a frightened horse or to pack game on a pack animal. I had just never heard of it as a training method.
I guess the idea would be that by taking away one of their senses and then having them have to rely on you that would build some trust. My gut feeling is that it would not be as good a method as just the day in day out work of becoming reliable and trustworthy to your horse, but I just don't know.

I don't know where I got it from. I guess it was just another wild Idea.

Rudy · 11-07-2007, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HAYHAYSTABLES

I have heard of people doing that.
I have also seen it done at the stables where my walking horse is at.
They put half blinders on the horse to get them to step higher.
I do know and have heard alot about full blinders.
It can make a horse pass out .
If there not used to any type of blinder.

The half blinders do not make a horse step higher...

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11-05-2007, 11:42 PM
luckyhorseshoes Weanling Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Cali Posts: 359	Trust?? I was wandering if putting some sort of "blindfold" on your horse to get them to trust you would work? and leading them around a while and possibly riding them but I'm not sure on that part. Just wandering what you guys and gals think of this. Thanks in advance. Also if you have any suggestions of how to gain trust with your horse would be great!!

11-05-2007, 11:45 PM
cascy Kid Safe Join Date: May 2006 Location: arkansas Posts: 6,397	I like the roundpen to establish trust and respect. I wouldn't recommend blind folding your horse until you have some sort of "foundation" with them, other wise you could wind up in a heck of a mess... You might check out some of clinton anderson's tapes, or find a trainer you could watch... Roundpenning is great for getting respect and trust... They learn they are safe with you and that your' the "leader" and also learn that it's better to be part of "your herd" then without you... if that makes sense __________________ To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.

11-06-2007, 06:19 AM
Horse poor Started Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Idaho Posts: 2,254	I would not put a blindfold on a horse to build trust. I'd build trust in other ways like round pen work and being consistent with how you work with your horse so he knows the rules. Riding a blindfolded horse is a real accident waiting to happen. To many things can go wrong in a hurry. I have blindfolded a horse that I had owned for 15 years. He and I knew when the other would draw their next breath we were so in tune. I had already built a strong foundation of trust with him. The blindfold was not tied either. It was just tucked into the side of halter so I could get it loose immediately. __________________ 'A government big enough to give you everything you want, is big enough to take away everything you have.' - Thomas Jefferson Last edited by Horse poor : 11-06-2007 at 06:25 AM.

11-06-2007, 06:35 AM
Jess6092 Long Yearling Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Vermont Posts: 1,049	Yup, I agree with all above. I just wanted to add we have used a blind fold to get a horse in a trailer one time. He was a stud (that should have been a gelding!) but he had never left the farm and there was a fire coming so they had to get all the animals out. We hauled the trailer in as far as the firemen would let us, and the guy rode the horse the rest of the way out to meet us. Then we find out he has never loaded! Soooo with all of the guys practically lifting this horses rear end and trying to push him in the trailer, nothing worked. We were kind of in a rush because of the fire and the guy would not have had enough time to just ride out. SO one of the firemen who knew nothing about horses suggested putting a blindfold on it to lead it in. He said he saw it in black beauty and maybe it would work! hehe Well we were very skeptical but tried anyway. We tied a sweatshirt around his eyes, and he stepped right in! :O Sorry it got so long, but that is my blind folded horse story! It truly does work in some situations.

11-06-2007, 06:43 AM
StablemasterE Coming two Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Middle of the cornfield OH Posts: 1,631	I think the round pen is the way. I use it everyday on all the horses here. I also use gromming time. I pick up their feet, brush and curry, look at teeth, run my hands all over them all without being tied. I have found doing in their stall is a real bonding time. Now Im not saying they shouldnt be tied or anything like that b/c all of mine are groomed a couple times a week tied just to have that balance. I even do excersices where they are tied while I clean stalls and so on. Its all about balance and being a strong leader. Good Luck! __________________ Silence is Golden but duct tape is silver and easier to get.

11-06-2007, 07:27 AM
Mule Fool Started Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Washington State Posts: 2,283	I was wondering where you got the idea of the blindfold. Does somebody use that as a training method? I have heard of it used like Jess mentioned with a frightened horse or to pack game on a pack animal. I had just never heard of it as a training method. I guess the idea would be that by taking away one of their senses and then having them have to rely on you that would build some trust. My gut feeling is that it would not be as good a method as just the day in day out work of becoming reliable and trustworthy to your horse, but I just don't know.

11-06-2007, 07:45 AM
Desert Lane Training Newborn Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Washington State Posts: 38	The Indians were BIG on blindfolding to gain trust. And while there is a place for it we have come up with better methods since then. __________________ No one teaches riding so well as a horse. - C.S. Lewis Rustic Elegance - 1992 TB Gelding Zipped Solid - 2002 SB Paint Mare (in for training)

11-06-2007, 08:34 AM
NoniMe Greenbroke Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 3,238	I work with my boy every time in the round pen. Only recently have I begun putting my hands over his eyes and playing "blind horse." I'll do this on the ground, as a desensitizing thing (he gets wiggy when things fly at his face, so I fly my hands at his head and 'land' on his eyes), and then, in the saddle, I'll reach up and cover his eyes for a few seconds too. I haven't asked him to move while he's 'blind', but that will come. However; I've only started this in the last two weeks, and we've been together working nearly daily for about 6 months...in the round pen, on the ground, and while riding. So I'd caution you to take your time. Respect is earned, and is not a fast occurance. The horse needs to know you'll keep him safe, and that will take time, and experiences, before he learns that and believes it. So don't rush things; take the time to do it right, and you'll have a horse that will do what you ask. Rush it, and you'll have a battle on your hands that you will not win. Best- Noni __________________ "His name is Tango," said I. The wee boy, in his childish lisp, replied "no, his name is Bongo Mountain."

11-06-2007, 11:44 AM
xpinkpink Newborn Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Ft. Benning, GA Posts: 23	I'm not sure I would blind fold a horse...seems like the trust would be more "me" trusting the horse not to go bonkers...and I really don't want to take that chance, seems dangerous to me. I like the fact that my horse can see so that if something happened to me, like a fly hits me in the eye or whatever and I'm temp. blinded..as least the horse can see where we are going. But I've been hurt so much riding horses I don't trust ANY horse fully. Doesn't matter how much I can emotionally personify them, they are still animals with instints.(sp)

11-06-2007, 12:39 PM
b-mark Yearling Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 700	Perhaps, instead of going as drastic as blind folding... do what I did? I took Mark at dusk (not that they don't see better than we do... but they seem alot more on 'guard')... and walk him to/through unfamiliar terrain.. Up and down hills.... unsure footing... that sorta thing... It worked well with us... Good luck and keep us posted! __________________ Gina & the critter crew http://www.sunshine.gawdproductions.ca

11-06-2007, 02:35 PM
HAYHAYSTABLES Halter broke Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: cookeville tennessee Posts: 199	I have heard of people doing that. I have also seen it done at the stables where my walking horse is at. They put half blinders on the horse to get them to step higher. I do know and have heard alot about full blinders. It can make a horse pass out . If there not used to any type of blinder. __________________ www.hayleystables.com living a dream!