Acting up while being lead

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kat2290

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One of my mini's has started acting up while being lead - throwing her head around, doing mini rears, trying to tank off and generally just being a prat!
She has always been excellent to catch and lead in the past so I'm not sure what has caused this change in behaviour. It's probably due to the fact the last time they were brought in from the field was November for the farrier and since then have been left to their own devices.

I'm going to bring her in again tomorrow so what is the best way to deal with this behaviour if/when it arises?

TIA :)
 
A mini? Sitting on it would be a quite efficient way of getting all 4 legs to stay on the ground :D :D

(sorry, couldn't help myself the thought of a cheeky runaway mini was just too funny!)

If you're not using a bridle then maybe that would be a good idea tomorrow to give a little more control.
 
Ha ha yeah I thought I may get laughed at for this! :D
I know they are so tiny but I still want them to be well mannered!
They are only 8months so too young for a bit, just in head collars for now.
 
Only 8 months - best I can suggest then is just to pick her up so all 4 legs are off the ground whenever she starts being naughty :D

... hopefully somebody more sensible than me will come along to help you soon :p
 
Mine was hauling me along when bringing in from the field and circling round me when I checked her. We worked on making her stand when she started acting up (right from the start, don't let them get away with any cheeky behaviour). If she was particularly bolshy I would make her back up before continuing. If when we walked on again she surged forwards and snatched at the lead rope we stopped again until she calmed down. She very quickly learnt that we got back to the yard quicker if she wasn't a twit.
When we got back to the yard sensibly she would get a treat.
 
Ankerwycke, in the words of my mother, if you haven't got anything constructive to say don't say anything at all *shakes head in disappointment* :p

L_C thanks for giving me a sensible reply :rolleyes: good ideas, I'll try that tomorrow. I wasn't sure whether it was best to just ignore it and carry on regardless of what she was doing or to make her back up etc, your way sounds good!
 
kat2290 said:
L_C thanks for giving me a sensible reply :rolleyes: good ideas, I'll try that tomorrow. I wasn't sure whether it was best to just ignore it and carry on regardless of what she was doing or to make her back up etc, your way sounds good!
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L_C makes a very good point. It's best not to ignore it. This method is similar to those used with puppies when they pull on a lead - they also soon learn that they get nowhere. (But ponies are far cleverer and learn quicker).

Be consistent with your handling - handle daily if you can.

:D
 
My mini used to do this! :-) (actually still does from time to time when he's feeling particularly cheeky lol - he's nearly 5 and should know better but love his quirks!) - but yes as L-C says above, make them stand when they're being silly & they soon learn not to prat about! (Minis are very intelligent & quick learners!) Lots of regular, consistent handling will soon sort it - good luck!
 
Also agree with L_C! My two minis have tried this with me too (they still do if I try to lead them together, I can't win them if I'm on my own! :rolleyes: ) I circled them each time they were silly, make them halt and walk on lots, and I do give sweeties when I've reached where I wanted to get them so they know the quicker they behave the quicker they get sweets! I handle everyday which I think is the biggest reason they are so well behaved now.

Its just them testing the water and being babies! :)
 
I have to add the caveat that I have no experience of handling youngsters but I would imagine you should start as you mean to carry on.
I have leant that even though my mare is lovely most if the time I can't allow her to get away with any cheeky behaviour because if you give her an inch she will take a mile, and then the problem is a lot harder to solve.
 
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