Help and advise

[Sunshine80]

I am a new horse owner... I have a 14.2hh cob, we have had him for 6/7 weeks now, he is lovely. However in the last week he has started escaping us while on lead rope and now I’m worried that as he’s done it a few times he now realised he can do this. He is a strong pony... he initially did it with my little girl, but he today has pulled the lead rope out of my hand and luckily we were in the field but and no harm was done.
Any help and advise as I want to get this under control before it gets to the stage we can’t lead him

 

[oldie48]

I have a very naughty semi feral pony as a companion to my mare. I use a Richard Maxwell controller halter on him and he walks politely. I tried a chiffney but found it difficult to put on in the field as he can also be a bit nippy, but that's another option. I wouldn't be letting your daughter handle him until he's learned some manners, part of the trouble I've been having with my pony is that someone else has let him get away with bad behaviour.

 

[D66]

Use a controller headcollar or a cheap, old bridle so he has a bit in his mouth. Dont let your daughter handle him yet and most importantly wear gloves, rope burns are horrible. If you are novice I'd suggest getting some 1 on 1 training in horse handling from an experienced instructor. the sooner the better, before he gets really naughty.
Good Luck.

 

[Trouper]

All of the above advice plus there are some really good books and videos on ground training stroppy ponies and the sooner you start the better!

 

[Shay]

Cobs can be very assertive personalities and if they start to get the idea they can push you around they will. If you struggle to get on top of it get a ground based trainer to help sooner rather than later.