Best way forward with a head shy 3 yo??

B

Booga22

Well-Known Member
Joined
9 February 2009
Messages
273
Location
Somerset
Visit site
Hi Guys,

I kind of accidently bought myself a NF Filly, who has only just turned 3. From the marks and patches on her head and legs, I'm guessing it's not been very nice for her along the line.
I haven't had her very long, but she is making progress - even 'little' things such as now letting me put her headcollar over her nose, even taking a piece of carrot from me was a majir break through,and picking all 4 feet up. The problem is she is very funny around her poll and her muzzle being touched. (The vet has had a quick look at her mouth and says she will need a trim in the near future but there isn't anything major going on and wants her to settle in and get some more confidence in people before rasping).
What would you suggest as the best way to start desensitizing her and doing some 'work' with her? I am in no rush atall, and want her to be happy along the way.
She was quite happy the other night to follow me over and then stand on black silage wrappers, and I am taking her for walks along the farm and track to let her sniff everything.
She has had a roller on and is not fazed by that at all, not worried about the lunge lines etc - just walked her around the yard, no real work.
She is in need of top line and muscling up all over, so conscious of this. She has got a streak in her mind, and when she doesn't want to do something or doesn't like something, she pulls back &/or plants herself. Thought about a Parelli halter and doing some games, especially as she hasn't figured the concept of personal space yet?!
Sorry it's so long so thanks for getting this far!!
 
Not convinced about a Parelli halter & waving a heavy leadclip for a headshy horse myself.

Have you had her checked by an osteopath? Could be she's had a headcollar/bridle on in the past that has been pulled very heavily & hurt her. Once you know there's no problem, I'd look at the Richard Maxwell book for starting youngsters, & how he deals with the headshy horse in there. Very soft & gentle, no pulling on the head or wearing a thin rope halter.
 
I just wouldn't concern myself with trying to touch her round her head especially, just o normal things ie soft brushing and gradually move brushes higher up. It'll come in time and you'll forget she was ever that bad. If she plants when being lead then, instead of pulling her forwards i would instead carry a whip with you and, should she not walk on then tap her side with the whip - increase the intensity of this until she walks forwards, stop tapping and praise her and walk on. Alternate which side you tap though and remember this is not hitting and is not punishment but is an aid (you are tapping where say your leg aid would be if you were aboard). Assure she doesn't get fearful of the whip - if she does flinch or anything at any time then gently stroke her with the whip to reassure her it is not something to be afraid of.

The technique does work, I was taught to do it with my youngster and he is pretty good now (he's 2) and walking on when asked, without me having to pull him about. A light tap on his side, even now just with my hand is enough for him to walk forward.
 
Thank you - she does seem to enjoy being groomed and scratched, and that has helped her move forwards.
I do actually agree with you about the parelli rope - hadn't thought of it in that way. She does appear to have an idea on voice commands, and as you say, if I carry a whip and use it as you say, that should resolve that issue.
As i said, I am in no rush with her, and it'll take as long as it takes. My last pony was ever so whip shy, thanks to some considerate git beating her with it, so used to carry one and get her used to it and then rub it on her - she soon couldn't care less!
She is a very sweet little girl when she puts her ears forward!
 
Seems like you are doing all the right things, you need to encourage her to come to you willingly, so you can groom her. She may need to be re-assured about her body space, you can stroke her all over with a light schooling whip to de-sensitise her and make her confident in you, limit treats if you can , use a little rub on the front of face when she does things right.
To move forward with teeth, slip a little treat in through side of the mouth and rub gums, look at teeth. often, don't make a big thing of it, just part of her daily routine.
Groom her face with your hand or a very soft face brush, slip your fingers in her mouth (sideways) she will come round and forget all the bad things that happened before.
Re planting herself, this is a normal reaction (fear and/or establishing herd pecking order), she is asking you to move your feet, but you need to move her feet by just pulling her round one way or the other, don't look her straight in the eye, this is a challenge, and upsets some horses.
I agree with Richard Maxwell system , totally against parelli.
 
Last edited:
Shy was very headshy - he hated his ears being touched at all. I spent ages grooming his face with a very soft brush, and gradually, over some months, up to his ears, and then with the brush, stroked his ear hair. Of which he has lots :eek: He is now absolutely fine, so I'm sure you will work thru it too :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top