Herd Bound issues... sigh

Dodge has become totally herdy. I am quite appalled by this new twist in her behavior. I saw it coming and kinda let it slide just because she is in a new place and wanted her to get comfortable before I really started doing anything with her. In reality I think what I have done is moved myself down on the ranking scale with her and let her horse buddy's move up.

JOY.

Last night she damn near ran me over once she was done eating. I was not amused and still am not amused. She didn't pay attention to me at all and completely ignored me when I asked her to move over because she was too busy paying attention to the horses on teh other side of the corral.

WORK.

My plan of action involves work. I am going to take her up to the roundpen tonight if I go or Friday night when I'm out there because of the vet. I will have a lunge whip and grooming supplies. I am not in the training for treats idea, I hate that crap, I hardly ever buy treats for my dogs even. My idea is this: if she doesn't want to listen to me, give her a reason to start.

I am going to let her go in the roundpen and ask simply for her to stand still for hoof picking (something she is getting horrible out). If she wants to prance around and act like a fool at the edge of the fence, fine, but she will be running that fence. The lunge whip will come out and she will be shuffling those feet faster than she thought. I fully expect a few good bucks out of her and total tantrum.

I'll then let her rest and try to pick her feet again. If she decides that once again she just must be with her friends then she will get worked again. We will work this over and over again till she stands quietely for me picking her feet. As soon as I can get all four feet picked, I will walk her back to her buddies and let her go.

I need her to understand that when she is with me I am the one that she needs to be paying attention to. If I don't do this now I have a feeling that riding her is not going to be pretty. It's like I'm redoing everything I've done thus far with her. I'm happy that this new place has an area for me to work her in though, so I am not having to use a lunge line right now. It's easier sticking her ina small enclosed area to work with her than having to hold onto a lead of some sort.

I want to work with the new bit and headstall but I know right now that is not going to move forward at all till I get her mind back onto me being the herd leader. That's not going to happen till I become a little more aggressive with my approach. Not this ooooooo you're so cute Dodge.

I digress.