How to Train Your Horse Not to Kick

Keeping a horse as a pet is a big commitment to your time and finances. Despite this fact, horses are among the most popular pets in homes, especially for those who live in the countryside. A horse can help you keep fit by riding it around, they are easy to look after, and they have a long life span. It is no wonder that most people strive to get it as a pet.

As much as ponies are fun animals, the one personality that makes them undesirable is kicking. Horses are known to kick a lot, and if you have one, this trait can be frustrating. Since they are large animals, a kick from a horse can severely injure someone. According to research, a horse kick has the same intensity as a small car moving at a speed of about 30 kilometers/ hour.

Other than injuring you, horses can also cause self-injury when they kick. For instance, when they kick a wall, they can fracture their hoof bones. Dealing with the injury can be overwhelming and costly.

Thus, you have to train your horse not to kick. It is paramount to understand the reasons that cause these adorable animals to kick.

Reasons Horses Kick and How to Stop Them

Horses use the kick to send a message about their state of mind. When your pet kicks, it might mean that the message it is planning on sending is urgent. Before you start teaching your horse to stop kicking, note that it will not be easy. Besides, it is not possible for a horse to completely stop kicking. The animal will still kick in some situations. The training is to show the foal that kicking is not tolerable behavior.

The Horse Is in Pain

When a horse is in pain, it can get frustrated since it cannot communicate; therefore, the pony starts kicking. You can tell your pet is in pain if you notice its expression is anguish or discomfort.

If the stallion is in agony, examine it to find out the source of the problem. Ensure you are gentle so that you do not increase the intensity of the pain. When you find the painful area, find a way to offer pain relief.

The Horse Is Afraid

When you approach a horse and notice that it is kicking, it means they think you are dangerous. Getting close to it can be risky as it might kick you thinking you are dangerous.

You can deal with such an issue by looking into the cause of fear. It could be something you are carrying or that you are a new face. If so, you can reassure the horse by giving it treats. The idea is to reprogram its mind so that the pony can associate you with positive memories.

The Horse Is Frustrated

If your horse is frustrated, he might start kicking the walls and doors of the stables. In most cases, it might be that it is anticipating something like a meal, or they are bored.

Find out what is causing frustration and deal with it. If it is a meal, ensure the horse is fed on time. In case it is boredom, you can take the pet outside the stables to break the monotony.

The Horse Wants Dominance

At times the foal might kick to show you he is in charge. You might be human, but the horse sees you as part of the herd.

In such a case, it is paramount for you to show the horse that you are in charge of. Take control of the situation by moving the horse around and establishing dominance. That way, the pet will behave since they will know you are in control.

Avoid Negative Reaction

When a horse kicks you, the first reaction can be anger. Do not get angry; remember they are trying to communicate. Slapping or kicking back should not be an alternative. The best way to deal with this is by telling the horse the behavior is terrible, and asking them to move away from you. Since the horse is part of your herd, it will not want to make you angry.

Kicking Chains

You can opt for kicking chains; they are light and short not to harm your stallion. The purpose of the chains is to make noise and hit your horse each time they kick. Installing them on your pet is one of the ways you can reduce the kicking.

Professional Help

In case you have tried everything and failed, it is time to get a professional trainer. The experts will know about the best way to train your stallion so that it stops kicking.