best way to get youngster used to baths/hose

[Sandstone1]

As title, whats the best way to get a yongster used to being hosed/ bathed? Any hepfull tips please

 

[Devonshire dumpling]

Firstly I got mine used to being groomed with a wet brush etc, then buckets, when we finally got the hose on him, i started on his feet, with someone else holding him, if he moved I followed him with the hose, when he stood still i rewarded him by removing the hose, he soon realised it was best to stay still, he was fine after a few mins x

 

[Purple18]

watering can sounds stupid but really worked with swallow

 

[WelshD]

I started with using the hose on his feet then worked upwards but beyond that I just went for it

First couple of times he prances about but he is a lot better now, just hates having the hose near his head

I'm not one to faff about - to me if you treat it as normal and get on with it they do learn to accept it pretty quickly

 

[FfionWinnie]

I just hosed her legs, keep the hose on when prattling about and take of when they stand. They soon learn standing means you stop, then you just increase the length of time.

 

[Cobber]

I bathed my 2 year old for the first time last weekend and again this weekend. Started off on the legs an worked my way up. She walked about a bit but as said above don't take the hose off if they do. When she stood I took the hose off then progtessed to when she stood I kept the hose on and gave her some treats. She was much better this weekend and found it helped if I used my hand on her by the hose. Also I didn't mollycoddle her too much, she is young but she must stand for being hosed so I just got on with it and didn't faff about. Good luck!

 

[figgy]

My yearling also had never had a bath and didnt like the hose but first I would just put the hose on him without the tap on so he got used to that and to be honest after he was fine with hose everything else just fell into place. Now his a good little pony .

 

[Sukistokes2]

just getting on and doing it and repeating the experiance

 

[TommisMum]

slowly - I ensured the hose was already on so there isn't that strange sound as water comes through. Started at the bottom and worked up.
When Storm backed off at at particular part ie shoulder, I went back to a part she'd accepted eg front leg. Never taking the water off her - this meant she learnt that the water didn't go away even if she evaded.