backing shetlands

[pickwickayr]

i have just started work with my 3 yr old shetland filly. she has been bitten and leads out in hand , can stand, tie up and have her feet picked out etc and is ready to go to the next step!

i have begun lungeing her but she is so diferent from any 3 yr old ive worked with before could do with some advice!

she seems so idol and altho likes the attention realy doesnt want to do much other than stand and be petted trying to get her to walk on on the lunge she either stands stil and wont move or walks towards me. i had a helper lead her while i lunged last night and she was getting better, but wil d afew good circuits walking round and halting etc but then stops and wont move again!! you cant help but laugh at her but at the same time i want her to be well schooled and properly broken in.

any tips for getting a bit more oomph and enthusiasm? or do you think i might have more success long reining to begin with?

 

[dwi]

I would start with long reining myself so you're not putting pressure on her joints by doing lots of circles

 

[zelli]

My shetland sounds exactly the same, only way i could get anything out of her when i was backing her was to long-rein. She now lunges and long-reins beautifully. I did it off the headcollar initially to help her understand the aids as this is what shes used to, i then slowly introduced using the bit when she had a better idea. Good luck, its great fun backing tiny things I think

 

[itsme123]

I would try and add variety to the proceedings. Get your helper to lead her whilst you long rein her round bridlepaths and stuff, so she gets used the aids whilst doing something different. Praise her LOTS (with treats if need be). When you then come to lunge she'll be more than willing.

Shetlands get bored very quickly lol.