Help can't get near horse

[Hayzeebailey]

Dear all I have recently bought a welsh sec d 2 year old colt the lady admitted she had literally done nothing with him he came with head collar on which I haven't removed we had problems loading Him but eventually got him on and back to his new home which he settled in great he's in a paddock living out as he had been with other horse in joining paddocks...I have religiously stuck to a routine daily for the last two weeks of feeding, rehaying, mucking out, chatting and then taking him out on lead rope for about 15 - 20 mins at a time he was doing great nice and relaxed well mannered although a little headshy up until the last two days where he literally won't let me near him he won't even come to the gate where he used to greet me he turns away from me and when I have tried to coax him with a treat he literally stands as far away as he can and stretches out his neck any ideas on what could of caused this is it usual in welsh cobs and how can I regain his trust? I have never shouted at him or hurt him in anyway and haven't changed anything?? Thanks in advance :-( xx

 

[texel]

This is not unusual, two steps forwards and a few back with progress. He is young and you have a long journey ahead of you. He may be overwhelmed by all of the things you have been doing with him - he probably needs a break. Sometimes we humans can do too much too soon, routines are fine but a change is as good as a rest.

All you need to do is ignore him, just poo pick and potter about the field and infact take a chair and sit in the field and read - weather permitting. He will eventaully come round, he probably needs time to digest all that has happened to him. Let him come to you he will let you know when he is ready.

Don't rush and enjoy being with him and observing.

Any pics ?

 

[WandaMare]

I agree he probably needs a break and could just be testing you a bit. I would leave him be awhile then maybe take a box or bucket of something interesting and not let him see into it for a good few minutes. My colt used to get so overwhelmed with curiosity that he would eventually let me get hold of him. I also used to make a huge fuss of my old mare, lots of grooming and treats for her right next to him and jealousy would eventually bring him to me.

 

[HaffiesRock]

My guess would be now he has settled a little, he is feeling more confident and doing more as he pleases rather than as you want. He is only two after all and probably a bit cocky now he's settled.

Different people will have different idea's on what to do, but personally I'd go into the field and just ignore him. Check the fencing, pick some poo, park your bum and read a book. He will soon get curious and come and see what you are doing!

 

[putasocinit]

Ignore him, carry on your routine and just walk past him and carry on, and when he comes to you say hello, stroke him if you can, then walk away,

 

[Urban Horse]

Don't take this the wrong way, but in giving treats when the neck is stretched, you're actually rewarding him to stay away:-( Food rewards work well with cobs (we have three) but the timing of actually giving the reward must coincide with the actions you want repeated... not with the actions you don't. Let him know that a reward is available by letting him smell the treat while it's held in a clenched hand (he can't take the reward no matter how hard he tries), then once you have his interest slowly retract the hand towards you... if he takes a step towards you, that's the time to give the reward. That way you're rewarding him for coming close, not staying away.

Welshies are like all horses, intelligent and sensitive, and once the bond between you is in place you couldn't want for a better companion. As others have already said, going about your business while largely ignoring him is a great way to attract them... they simply have to know and understand what you're doing... However the drawback to this is that, in future, you'll have no end of overturned pooper barrows etc.

 

[Hayzeebailey]

Thank you all for the advice I will try it out tomorrow with him and will put a pic up now x