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[RC] Spray bottles and blocker tie rings - Diane

Hi, My  Arab didn't like the spray bottle, the noise, the spray or water, as in bath,  any of it.    The previous owner actually  told me not to use fly spray or try to give him a bath.  Once I got to know him better I just brought him in the barn and let him circle around until he quit while I sprayed him with water or the bottle.  This took quite a bit of time, like months, to get him to trust me enough to spray for flies or give him a bath.  Somewhere in his past, he was scared to death of this stuff.  Now, he's fine with it.  Still  looks at me a little sideways, but stands.  The key was to keep doing it while he moved, be calm and tell him what a brave boy he is and pretty soon, he believed me.  You can't do anything without the trust of your horse in you.
I also recently got an Appaloosa that had a bad accident while being tied up before I got him.  Apparently, he was tied to a trailer, too short, and somehow flipped over or something.  We use the blocker tie ring.  In the first position, it allows the horse to back up as the rope will slide through.  We have these in our indoor arena where we tack up.  Smokie will also stand untied while I tack him up, etc.  I don't want any panic attacks and this device seems to help him not get hurt.  Anyhow, this works for me.  Horses are great teachers; they give instant feedback.
Diane in MI