When your horse takes 20 to catch

OMG, I totally know the feeling! It's so frustrating when your hard to catch horses decide it's playtime, and you're just trying to get them in for dinner or a ride. I've been there more times than I can count, and it can really test your patience! It's actually pretty common for horses to be difficult to catch sometimes, and there are a few reasons why they might do it. For some, it's just a game – they love the chase! Others might associate being caught with something they don't enjoy, like getting a bath or working hard. Sometimes, if they're in a large pasture, they just don't see the point in coming to you when they're perfectly happy grazing with their buddies. And of course, there's always the herd dynamic; some horses are just naturally more independent or higher up in the pecking order and feel they don't have to come. Through my own experiences with various equine personalities, I've picked up a few tricks that have really helped me. First off, food is often a huge motivator! I always carry a small bucket of grain or some treats with me. Even if they don't come right up, shaking the bucket often piques their interest. But the key is not to just feed them and then immediately slap a halter on. I try to make catching a really positive experience. So, sometimes I'll go out, give them a treat, scratch their favorite spot, and then just walk away without even trying to catch them. This teaches them that coming to me doesn't always mean work. Consistency is another big one. Try to stick to a routine if you can. Horses thrive on predictability. If they know roughly when you'll come out and what to expect, they might be less inclined to play hide-and-seek. I also pay a lot of attention to my own body language. Approaching them directly, staring, or moving too quickly can feel threatening to a horse. I try to walk in a gentle, curving path, avoiding direct eye contact until I'm closer, and often pretend I'm not even looking at them until I'm right next to them. It sounds silly, but it works! Another thing that made a huge difference for me was groundwork. Spending time on the ground with your horse, teaching them to lead willingly, to respect your space, and to come when called even without a halter, can significantly improve their willingness to be caught in the pasture. It builds trust and a stronger bond. If your horse is particularly wary, just spending time in their pasture, not trying to catch them, just sitting and reading a book or observing, can make them more comfortable with your presence. Remember, every horse is an individual, and what works for one might not work for another. It takes loads of patience and a lot of understanding of horse behavior. But with a consistent, positive approach, even the most elusive HARD TO CATCH HORSES can learn to greet you at the gate. It's so rewarding when they finally choose to come to you!