This little Mustang colt is evaluating me as I evaluate him. Both of us appear curious to the other and neither looks threatening to the other. After a few seconds of this, I will casually, and slowly, turn away and remove the pressure from him.

Here's another yearling Mustang colt who's a very curious fellow given the chance. I'm not trying to sneak in a "Touch" as I know this will happen when the colt is ready. And again, I'll do this a few seconds, then walk slowly away as if that's all I wanted to do was sniff him.

OBERON. He's a Stallion Mustang about 5 years old. Currently adopted by a person who, through no fault of her own, didn't have the time necessary to properly gentle him. So Oberon took over and became a rather unpleasant horse to be around. Still very much a stallion, Oberon would both bite and strike if he didn't feel like doing something the handler desired of him. So the Adopter brought him to the Clinic to be corrected. and to learn some skills needed to handle the stallion.

In this picture, I have already demonstrated the fact that I am the real Alpha in this pen. I had been coming in very early, ahead of any distractions. By quietly causing Oberon to move this way and that, I kept him calm and also proved I can make his feet move when I want to. Then I asked him to change gaits for me. I'd only ask for a half lap of speed then I'd remove the pressure if he was pleasant. Soon I was gently grooming him with my hand. And he'd follow me all around the pen. By not reacting to his threats but continuing to demand my requests, Oberon decided he'd better start reckoning with me.

We were not out of the woods yet as you see in another photograph. These "Re-Training" issues take weeks sometimes to overcome.

OBERON. GOING FOR THE THREAT!. The thumb and forefinger are moving instantly in to DEMAND a back-up, which we had already practiced many times. I do occasionally use the John Lyons "3-Second Rule" but his just wasn't the time for it. We already knew that Oberon follows up with a double strike.

It's just no use to try and get into a fight with a horse of any stature. Oberon happens to be very large and moderately sure of himself. I've seen other Range Stallions take a bite and do nothing but continue their own DEMAND to the miscreant. And this is something I have, on occasion, copied myself. That is, if I am still standing! I certainly do not suggest you try this unless you have handled many, many aggressive horses and have an exact feel for the present situation you are in!!!

Oberon did, in fact, reach down and grab my upper left arm. It didn't feel very good either. He had already bitten two other Clinicians. But I simultaneously made contact with his throat and began a motion with my right arm signalling a higher DEMAND that he back-up. I also stomped my foot for the added effect.

When he backed off me, I stepped aside and sent him out on the rail for a few laps in various directions. Next I drilled in some "Yield-to-Pressure" exercises and he began to get the idea (again). I DO expect this type of case would try such shenanigans again albeit with less enthusiasm. In time, having not obtained the reaction that he expected from me, Oberon ceased trying to attack me and began to listen.

I will mention again, do not assume you can handle an aggressive stallion. A strike to your face can put you out of commission for a long time. In my case, I have seen many of their "Special" tricks and have learned a few counter-moves.....