How to get a youngster to trot in hand?

[kerrieberry2]

does anyone have any ideas? he just seems to not know what I want!

He doesn't have any worries about a crop, so even if i did give him a tap with that he wouldn't care less! I tried running with him earlier and he just looked at me like i was a weirdo!

when he was lame the farrier tried to encourage him from behind but still wasnt bothered! think he's just too laid back!

is it a bad idea to get someone to take my mare in front and get him to follow? just worried he might be a bit stupid if i done it that way?

 

[Lintel]

Honestly following the lead of another horse is perfect, join up is also great for this - teaching him to follow etc.
If all else fails- a wee treat in front of his nose does the job perfectly! (It does sometimes cause nipping though!)
No point in using a crop if he is not understanding what your asking of him.

I know your problem with the laid back thing- so if everything under the sun fails. Shake a feed bucket and run

All the best!

 

[kerrieberry2]

oh cool thank you! I am reading the Kelly Marks book, perfect confidence, at the mo, so getting some ideas on join up but I think I might see about getting someone out to show me how to do it properly as im more of a visual learner, to be fair!

I will have to give the treat idea a miss as i am already a taste treat to him, he bit me once a while back and when im poo picking, if the fork or the scoop is taken away from him, i become the next thing he tries to chew on! luckily he's not got me again (touch wood)

I might give the trotting my mare in front thing ago then, but maybe in a small field, just in case hehe!

 

[pixiebee]

mine was the same, I tried all sorts, saying trot in a silly happy voice, clicking my tongue whilst dragging her! someone behind her clapping their hands, in the end I got a long schooling whip and gave her a good flick on the hocks and as soon as she bursted into trot I praised like mad saying trot. Over the next few attempts, I only had to touch her with the whip and she responded. Then just voice. It works and you do need to give a really good flick, I know it sounds harsh but you only need to do it once and make sure you praise when you get what you want!

 

[Lintel]

mine was the same, I tried all sorts, saying trot in a silly happy voice, clicking my tongue whilst dragging her! someone behind her clapping their hands, in the end I got a long schooling whip and gave her a good flick on the hocks and as soon as she bursted into trot I praised like mad saying trot. Over the next few attempts, I only had to touch her with the whip and she responded. Then just voice. It works and you do need to give a really good flick, I know it sounds harsh but you only need to do it once and make sure you praise when you get what you want!

Would also agree with this to be honest. A wee fright does the world of good at times! Baby highland refused to walk forward when being broken in, we tried every trick in the book but he would just plant. And nice crack on the buttcheek did the trick (cruel owner I know)

 

[kerrieberry2]

haha I shall consider that then! my friend is going to help with my mare on wednesday, so hopefully that will help! i have no worries about using a crop but so far he seems to not really care about it! tried using a lunge whip to get him out of the way of the gate but he wasnt botherd by it, just started chewing it!

I've got a whip shy mare to a gelding who doesn't give a fluff about it!