Bonding with a new baby!

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Leighb

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I've just got a cob colt as a little project for myself, he's only 1, but VERY shy and timid! He's obviously had no human handling, and he's never seen a carrot in his life - just sniffed at it haha!

Any good tips to bond with him? I've spent a good hour plus today attempting to give him a brush (he's very raggy!) but he's still very wary!
 
Keep persisting, quietly and calmly! Baby cobs are way too nosey to be aloof for long. When you're allowed to touch, work along the neck to the withers... a good scritch there is always a great treat. I had one delivered into a stable that was a completely untouched "blank canvas", but within a week we were firm friends.
 
He had a bit nibble on my sleeve before I left haha. He's being gelded on Wednesday so I don't think he will be my friend for a few days!
He seems to of settled in really well, I've left him tucked up in a nice warm stable with lots of hay and a tiny bit of hard feed....with hidden carrots in haha!
 
Grazing walks, grooming, itchy spots, but also set clear boundaries from the outset so teaching backing up as early as possible and lots of praise for getting it right helps the bonding process.
 
Sit in his stable/field with a book or magazine. Don't make contact with him, let his natural curiosity work so he makes contact with you. Reduce his contact with other ponies for a few days while you do this, and be the only person to look after him for a few days at least, then you will become his friend.
 
I did that last night- took a magazine in with me and just sat there! It took him about 15min before curiosity got the better of him haha.
Unfortunately he's gone to get gelded today so he won't be back until tomorrow night :(

Don't think he will be my friend!
 
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