How to gain trust ...

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Nakita

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My filly arrives tomorrow and I very excited :)
However obviously as she is only 10 and a bit months old a new yard will be very strange for her! She also has to stay in for a week to be wormed when she has been kept out her whole life! Anyway was wondering what things I can do to gain her trust and build a bond up with her except from the obvious like grooming, does anyone have any ideas?
 
Honestly? I would leave her alone to settle. Go in to muck out, feed, etc, quietly, and if she approaches you, a pat, a treat and back out you go.
 
So not even any grooming for the first little while then no?
Also she isn't going to be allowed treats :( I made that mistake with my previous horses, I want her to see affection as a reward not a treat plus as she is a baby don't want her starting any nipping or anything, I have a shetland to bite lumps out of me :) Lol.
 
well if it were me, I would tie swedes on bailing twine to hang up in the stable, offer carrots off the floor, sit on a stool in with her and read a good book or magazine, find her itchy spots and talk to her loads so she learns your voice (i have even been known to sing!!) can we see a photo?!
 
You are right, treats should not be given everytime you see your horse, but as a short term "get to know you" its not going to hurt. And if you think at 10 months she will never nip, you are going to be sorely disappointed!
You honestly do need to give babies time to settle. Older horses who get the gist of things can take a while to settle, but imagine a little toddler, removed from her mum, unable to understand whats going on, and now there are lots of strangers (horse and human) that all scare the pants off her, and worse still, she doesnt know where she is anymore!
Time to get used to the new sounds and smells of her new neighbours and surroundings are vital before you start expecting things of her.
 
I have been around foals/youngsters alot and some of them have never went through that nippy stage so I do believe it is possible. However one we have at the yard atm is more of a pup than a youngster! Investigates with her mouth!
I'm not expecting anything from her either - only wanting her to settle and trust and me.
 
Thankyou tangoharvey :)
I'm buying her just in time to see her go through the awkward yearling stage! Although can't wait to see her grow up :D
 
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