AmAm i expecting too much? A youngster question

[vick]

Took my yearling for a walk yesterday, Hoping to go to the stables for some grooming. We left the field that he lives in leaving his companions behind. For about 20 meters, he wasn't able to see any other horses. At this point he threw a tantrum, twisting , bucking and try as i might i let go! I caught him again and let him go back into the field he lives in. I know this was proberbly setting the scene for futher tantrums as he got away with it. But i was a trembiling reck! Was i expecting too much taking him away from companions do you think? Is it normal to feel edgey around youngsters (even though i try not to show it)?

any suggestions appreciated

 

[teddyt]

Totally normal behaviour from him. You just have to persevere and train him to leave his friends. Putting him straight back wasnt the best thing to do though im afraid. Next time wear a hat and gloves, have a longer than normal rope and if he has a paddy just stand still and let him. Use your voice with a stern No and he will eventually get the message. then ask him forwards again and then put him back- so you have decided not him. Dont ask too much each time but gradually move further and further away. best to get on with it, they only get stronger and bigger as they get older and it gets harder to teach them!

 

[Farma]

When mine was a youngster she did this regularly - you need to prepare yourself - gloves, riding hat, lunge line so when he throws the tantrum you are equipped to handle it and not become scared.

 

[NELSON11]

Most young horses will feel insecure if you try and take them away from their buddies. Why not take him out the field and give him a groom outside the gate. then start to progress to little walks.

They will plant themselves, rear, scream, twist and all sorts but you do need to be assertive with them but fair at the same time.

Maybe take him initially with a companion then ask your yearling to lead the way and take charge. Small steps but you need to instill as much confidence in them as poss.

Would ask someone experienced to help you if you get nervous and make sure your hat is on. I went through all of this with my young horse. Who would go from planting to hi ho silver plunging through the air. Not fun when he was 15.2hh as a yearling

Good luck

 

[vick]

thanks, i had the lunge line and the gloves, no hat though, i will have one next time! And some more assertiveness! hopefully.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

No, you are not expecting too much and it will get better.

When I first got my filly (1yr old at that point) she was a rat bag because we had to walk by a field with cows to get to the yard, it wasn't ideal and she did rear alot to begin with and once pulled me over. I started to take a schooling whip with me and if I felt like she was about to rear, I asked her to move on, or even circle around me. Anything to stop the rear before it happened. Once we were at the yard she was fed and fussed and soon she looked forwards to coming in (I did this everyday). I then had trouble because she didn't want to go back in her paddock (you can't win sometimes) and she'd just plant herself! So I would take a pocket of pony nuts and she got those after she was back in the paddock and she'd stood nicely to have her headcollar taken off.

Now she is 2 and I can catch her easily, turn her out again easily and take her for long walks along the lanes and bridleways which she loves.

Good luck, I'm sure you'll get there with patience and perseverance.