18 mont colt education??

[lizlowe]

Hi. I have an 18mth old colt (small right now but expected to be quiet large, and has a lot of blood in his breeding). He was out with other youngsters since weaning and just come home for winter. He is great with his feet being picked out, leading, rugging and stabling.
Was wondering what, if anything I should/could do to continue his education before he has another summer away to be just a horse?
Ideas I had were tying up (best method)? leading in school to get him used to all daily distractions of poles, wings, trees blowing etc. ANy suggestions or advice gratefully recieved.

 

[scotsmare]

If you plan to show him at all then teach him to trot up in hand. Loading / bathing etc - all the stuff he'll need to know when he's a 'big boy'.

 

[jewel]

i personally wouldn't do anymore than you are already doing

 

[sarahhelen1977]

You could get him used to the sound of clippers (in an adjacent box or something), loose school him (if you have suitable fencing around your arena), make sure you can lead from both sides.....etc.
For tying up I always loop the rope directly through the tie ring, don't tie it, hold on to the end, so that the rope slides through easily if the horse does pull back, and you don't end up with a panicked horse or a broken headcollar/leadrope
I also found a bungee tie very useful when my youngster got the idea of being tied up, so you get a bit of give if they pull back, but they can't go anywhere. I still make sure that he has a haynet to munch on if he is going to be tied up for any length of time, I'm sure there are other things to remember, but I've had a long day and can't think of any more right now!!

 

[air78]

I'd do tying up, with a long rope through the ring as already suggested, and loading.
Also, tractors and cars etc around the yard....... and if he's not already used to them then dogs and cats are always good practice. Our yard cats are always scooting around when the horses are in the yard, I really think it helps for when you start riding out and a rabbit shoots out in front of you!

 

[lizlowe]

Thanks people. Think will work on the tying up, with long rope as described above Dont to blow his little mind so will take it slow and let him lead us a while