reluctance to stand still

[spirit]

Hi, I'm new to this forum and would like advice from Avril regarding her methods for training a horse to stand sill. I was reading Chattys training diary and she said that she doesn't make a horse stannd still if it clearly doesn't want to, as this may lead to rearing, we use other methods!!!! Was just wondering what methods these were as my Highland mare has problems with standing still although she is much better than she use to be. Any advice from anyone on what has proven to work in the standing still training would be gratefully received. Also would like to say how much I'm loving All the cob casts and the training diaries, they are a great help. Thanks in advance Val x

[Erika & George]

I am no expert and George is a pretty easy going chap but I have trained him to stand still which has been an absolute life saver on more than one occasion.  I started him by taking him to the middle of the yard and saying Stand in a strong calm voice.  Naturally he didn't have a clue initially so he just started to walk off.  At that point I push backed using his headcollar to the starting point.  I then repeated this and he pretty quickly cottoned on to what I wanted.  I kept it all very calm and low key and he just took it on board.  Infact these days I barely bother to tie him up in the yard.  Just position him where he is comfortable and happy and he just stays there, even if the gate is open. 

Where it has been an absolute life saver has been where is has got himself into difficulty and has panicked.  It doesn't happen often but he is a big toddler sometimes and does get himself into a bit of a state.  On one occasion when he was having his tea he somehow managed to get the clip on feeder attached to the ring on the side of his headcollar, so when he lifted his head up the feeder was attached to the side of his face.  He panicked and was shaking his head trying to get rid of it and it would have been dangerous if he had hit me with it.   I just said Stand in a load voice and he stopped dead still whilst I took it off.  Needless to say, I haven't used the feeder again. 

There are loads of other times when I have used this command and he has obeyed even when stressed.  I would definitely persevere as it is worth it.

Erika & George