July 2007 • VOLUME 23 • © HORSES For LIFE™ Magazine

Helping the Cinchy Horse

Q: "My 11-year-old gelding, Troy, doesn't like to be girthed. In fact, he pins his ears and bites the air as I cinch him up, even though I do it slowly. Since his recent vet exam found him sound and healthy and his saddle fits well, my friends have been telling me it's a just a bad habit. The advice has been to either ignore the behavior or punish him for it. I'd rather Troy not act so grumpy, but it doesn't seem fair to punish him for it either. Do you think SENSE Method work will help?"

A: Yes, I certainly think SENSE Method can help Troy. But first, let me applaud you for having your veterinarian rule out a medical condition. It is essential to do that first.

Horses are limited in the ways they can communicate with us. Troy's display of pinning his ears and biting the air is his way of telling you that you are hurting him or he is worried that you will hurt him.

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