"Hi there, I have a 15.3hh Welsh Section D who is very bolshy when she wants to be. I have had her for a year (she is now 13-years-old) and last year I attempted to stable her. Apparently, the previous owner at some point left her in her stable for days with no water, etc. When I put her in her stable, she charges at the door, usually breaking the hinges off the door. Last year she only charged when people were at the yard, as if attention seeking, but this year she would break out of the stable with no one there. She has no problem with walking in the stable, nor eating in there. I always make sure I have enough hay in there to keep her occupied. I have all types of locks and bolts on the door, but she is so broad, she uses her chest to walk through the door. The funny thing is she is happy to come in from field to stable. Please help. Emma."

H&C blogger and founder of Intelligent Horsemanship Kelly Marks replies: "It sounds very much like this has become a habit that needs to be redirected. Lots of ground work in and around poles with obstacles that simulate a stable would be very beneficial. Also working in this way at the stable, ensuring you keep yourself safe. Working her in a Dually Halter would help your horse fully understand the behaviour you wish more of and the behaviour you wish less. The Dually works by closing down when the horse is doing what we don’t want to encourage and opening when the horse is doing what we do want to encourage therefore being uncomfortable or comfortable and this is how horses learn what we want as they seek the most comfortable spot.

At Intelligent Horsemanship, we have over 40 Recommended Associates (RAs) all of whom have trained intensively with me. They are able to offer owners home visits to help with worries and concerns that horses and owners may be experiencing and giving a huge amount of support. They will look at the whole picture, discussing the routine you have with your horse, reasons why she may be looking to leave the stable, it may be that a stable situated in a different place in the yard has a positive outcome for your horse or her diet could have something to do with her unsettled behaviour. A full list of the Intelligent Horsemanship Recommended Associates can be found at on my website below.

I have a selection of educational books and DVDs which cover a broad spectrum of horse psychology, problem solving and building confidence amongst much more. All of my books and Dually halters are available from our online shop along with information about the Educational Courses that we run through each year."