Intro bought unhandled 4 year old

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Ebony2026

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Hi, I am a new horse owner and have grown up with horses in younger years. After a couple of years of loaning for my daughters I have ended up buying an unhandled 4hr old youngster. She is very sweet and is still gaining our trust it’s a very long process. My aim is to take things slow, get her used to being handled and back her myself. Any tips, or similar experiences would be appreciated. She was stabled for a week with us going in/out getting her used to being touched/head collar on etc. she has since been turned out into paddock and we are having trouble turning in/out and catching her. She has lived in a field since birth so I knew this would be difficult to establish a routine
 
In the week she was in you really needed to get a head collar on and get her starting to lead. Taking it slow is all well and good, but now you have a feral 4yr old turned out who you cant catch and if she needs to see a vet or anything you have major issues. Can you get her back into the stable? then get someone out who can get her haltered and leading and show you the basics? taking on a feral 4yr old is going to be a hell of an ask if you dont have experience with horses like this.

I used to do it with youngsters and chuck them out in an enormous field, but they all had headcollars on first, and my little herd of youngsters were so super friendly and in your face it didnt take long for the babies to come round. And if there ever was an issue we had done enough to get hold of them in an emergency.

When youve done the basics turn her out with a super friendly horse in a small paddock until you have her catching consistently.

But honestly at this point Id get recommendations for a really good, kind and competent breaking yard, park the lorry at the gate and shoo her up and let the pros have her for as long a it takes. I see so many people ruining young horses, they start off with the best of intentions, but have no idea the skill set you need BEFORE you start doing it on your own. And starting with something untouched you just made this a thousand times harder.
 
I'm Dun said:
In the week she was in you really needed to get a head collar on and get her starting to lead. Taking it slow is all well and good, but now you have a feral 4yr old turned out who you cant catch and if she needs to see a vet or anything you have major issues. Can you get her back into the stable? then get someone out who can get her haltered and leading and show you the basics? taking on a feral 4yr old is going to be a hell of an ask if you dont have experience with horses like this.

I used to do it with youngsters and chuck them out in an enormous field, but they all had headcollars on first, and my little herd of youngsters were so super friendly and in your face it didnt take long for the babies to come round. And if there ever was an issue we had done enough to get hold of them in an emergency.

When youve done the basics turn her out with a super friendly horse in a small paddock until you have her catching consistently.

But honestly at this point Id get recommendations for a really good, kind and competent breaking yard, park the lorry at the gate and shoo her up and let the pros have her for as long a it takes. I see so many people ruining young horses, they start off with the best of intentions, but have no idea the skill set you need BEFORE you start doing it on your own. And starting with something untouched you just made this a thousand times harder.
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Hi,

Sorry I don’t elaborate on introduction. We were in/out the stable, putting headcollar on/off, leading her around the yard (hardstanding) and getting her used to being tied up for short periods of time and introduced grooming which she took to really well. Previously she has been in a field since birth but is used to people coming/going and handling other herd members alongside her. She has been on/off the trailer just fine and is not completely feral just unhandled regularly to a certain degree.

When I say difficult to catch, this is not a can’t catch basis it’s a takes a very long time to do so and earn her trust by her approaching me and moving in slowly. She is not completely feral! She’s currently got a soft headcollar on with a very very short lead rope (short enough she can’t stand on it) this is taken off in the evenings when brought in to be stabled and have dinner and put back on for turn out so like you said is a precaution so I can catch her in the event of an emergency.

I am very lucky enough to be on a small private yard and have the help of the owner who lives on site and has brought on two horses since foal and they are now late 20’s, believe me I would not be taking on something this difficult if I did not have help and guidance on hand 24/7. In regards to backing, this would be alongside a trained professional coming in to help and show me basics etc. I plan on having someone come to the yard a few times a week as I do not like the idea of her being sent off at the moment.

I was more on asking the idea on tips/advice from someone who has done similar and is going to give handling/backing a go on there own (with trainer present and guidance of course) as opposed to sending them off.

Thanks.
 
ive done it several times, Id never advise someone who has to ask for advice on basic things to do it. People have this romantic idea of buying this wild pony and making it love them and trust them and its all magical and wonderful and then the problems go away. Its not like that. I'm sorry thats not what you want to hear, but you're on a forum asking how to catch the horse you have done all the training on yourself. You've already created a problem.

Get the pro who is going to do the backing to come out asap. You are going to find that almost every pro wont touch this sort of situation though. Its not worth the stress and hassle and picking up the pieces when it all goes wrong. The ones that will arent the ones you want help from. So get recommendations from people who have used them and expect it to be expensive. The time to get them in is before it goes wrong, so Id want to do as little as possible until I had eyes on the ground.

How are you planning on backing and riding away a horse when youve not ridden in years? The getting on is the easy part, the bit after that requires a skill most people dont have. You will either need to pay someone to come every day for weeks or somehow get fit enough and competent enough to do it yourself. Hard with kids and ponies and general life in the mix. Its going to cost you far in excess of what it would have cost to buy a lovely older horse you could have been riding on day one, and letting your kids on. What if you get injured? I'm disabled, life ruined over an accident on a horse I had no business being on but thought would be fine. Boy am I paying for that stupid move.

I used to be far more encouraging and try and help, but honestly, I am just sick of seeing horses ruined by well intentioned people who dont know enough to know any better.It seems to have gotten so much worse since horse prices increased. You cant always do something just because you really want to and a cheap horse is never cheap in the long run.
 
I have 55+ years experience of horse and pony ownership, and have taken on 7 youngsters during that time, ranging from a stunning Trakhener to my current 13.1 NF. Even with all that experience, I will always go to the professional I think the most of to help me when the inevitable problems arise. Long winded way of saying I wouldn't tackle an unhandled 4 yo without the right back up.
 
I'm never entirely sure why people get unhandled horses as first horses. However I wish you the best with yours, you will have quite the journey.
I'll be honest I do like a blank canvas; I'm lazy, I don't want to have to be trying to get a bewildered baby to unlearn stuff. But I like horses that can at lead, lift all feet, touch all over.
I'm far from an expert - though I'm not a totally green beginner - but an unhandled animal is a huge undertaking. I'm glad you've got experienced help on hand and hope it goes well.
 
Many years ago I bought a 15 month old filly who hadn’t had much done with her. She was used to a headcollar and being led around but not been in a stable . I’d had two horses so not a first time owner but I managed to get her out showing and also broke her myself, I was lucky that she had a good temperament and it was very rewarding doing everything myself, I also still had my other horse to ride so when I backed her I was still riding fit which I think helped . However , even then when I was young and confident I wouldn’t have dared to buy a 4 year old… I wish you luck but please get some professional advice as soon as you can
 
I'm Dun said:
But honestly at this point Id get recommendations for a really good, kind and competent breaking yard, park the lorry at the gate and shoo her up and let the pros have her for as long a it takes. I see so many people ruining young horses, they start off with the best of intentions, but have no idea the skill set you need BEFORE you start doing it on your own. And starting with something untouched you just made this a thousand times harder.
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Sounds sensible to me too! Presumably you bought her because you really liked her, and I would assume that an unhandled 4 year old didn't cost too much, so look at the money spent on a pro as the price difference between her and something established.

I have a super easy (ha - he'll make me regret saying that! But I mean generally friendly, laid back, unflappable) two year old and even with him I've had a professional involved from the start - it's much easier to pay someone else to start you off on the right foot than to accidentally create a problem that then has to be solved.
 
I sent my driving pony away, I did all the basic work beforehand. They still spent a week going over the basics as they saw so many needing remedial work. Mine didnt and was at her first driving competition 3 weeks from being put too. I did it mainly as I didnt have the help Id have needed. But I never did one myself again after that. They just did a better job than me. I gave up before my young highland was old enough to be backed, but hed have been sent off as well. Id never do another one myself. There are people who do this day in day out and have a depth of experience a normal person can never get even when theyve worked with horses and started their own. It just doesnt compare.
 
I'm Dun said:
In the week she was in you really needed to get a head collar on and get her starting to lead. Taking it slow is all well and good, but now you have a feral 4yr old turned out who you cant catch and if she needs to see a vet or anything you have major issues. Can you get her back into the stable? then get someone out who can get her haltered and leading and show you the basics? taking on a feral 4yr old is going to be a hell of an ask if you dont have experience with horses like this.

I used to do it with youngsters and chuck them out in an enormous field, but they all had headcollars on first, and my little herd of youngsters were so super friendly and in your face it didnt take long for the babies to come round. And if there ever was an issue we had done enough to get hold of them in an emergency.

When youve done the basics turn her out with a super friendly horse in a small paddock until you have her catching consistently.

But honestly at this point Id get recommendations for a really good, kind and competent breaking yard, park the lorry at the gate and shoo her up and let the pros have her for as long a it takes. I see so many people ruining young horses, they start off with the best of intentions, but have no idea the skill set you need BEFORE you start doing it on your own. And starting with something untouched you just made this a thousand times harder.
Click to expand...
I'm Dun said:
ive done it several times, Id never advise someone who has to ask for advice on basic things to do it. People have this romantic idea of buying this wild pony and making it love them and trust them and its all magical and wonderful and then the problems go away. Its not like that. I'm sorry thats not what you want to hear, but you're on a forum asking how to catch the horse you have done all the training on yourself. You've already created a problem.

Get the pro who is going to do the backing to come out asap. You are going to find that almost every pro wont touch this sort of situation though. Its not worth the stress and hassle and picking up the pieces when it all goes wrong. The ones that will arent the ones you want help from. So get recommendations from people who have used them and expect it to be expensive. The time to get them in is before it goes wrong, so Id want to do as little as possible until I had eyes on the ground.

How are you planning on backing and riding away a horse when youve not ridden in years? The getting on is the easy part, the bit after that requires a skill most people dont have. You will either need to pay someone to come every day for weeks or somehow get fit enough and competent enough to do it yourself. Hard with kids and ponies and general life in the mix. Its going to cost you far in excess of what it would have cost to buy a lovely older horse you could have been riding on day one, and letting your kids on. What if you get injured? I'm disabled, life ruined over an accident on a horse I had no business being on but thought would be fine. Boy am I paying for that stupid move.

I used to be far more encouraging and try and help, but honestly, I am just sick of seeing horses ruined by well intentioned people who dont know enough to know any better.It seems to have gotten so much worse since horse prices increased. You cant always do something just because you really want to and a cheap horse is never cheap in the long run.
Click to expand...
Hi, I really do appreciate your honesty as it is useful in progressing along this journey.

I am not a complete novice and have ridden over the last few years, my mum done exactly the same with my first pony and we were lucky enough to have stables horses and land for many years. I’m very physically fit and have the help guidance and professionals to help when needed. I mean there must have been a day when you took on your first youngster? Do you think if younger you saw this reply it would have put a stop to you continuing to then do the same with several more youngsters?… being branded as a ‘horse destroyer’ before you even started? This was not about affordability at all, I had previously had a pony on loan with view to buy for £6k (this didn’t work out, that’s a story for another day) and fortunately have the funds available to be able to incorporate professional training handling and backing, personally I would like to give this a go myself (with help of course as previously mentioned on a regular basis, both backing and schooling)

I appreciate the fact that you’re concerns are well within reason, the difference is I am not expecting a magical journey I know that the reality is far from this. I am fortunate enough to be able to commit fully, take on knowledge and experience from close people around and get the professionals in when needed. I think to write me off as someone who is going to ‘ruin a horse’ is quite bitter and a preconception.
 
Ebony2026 said:
Hi, I am a new horse owner and have grown up with horses in younger years. After a couple of years of loaning for my daughters I have ended up buying an unhandled 4hr old youngster. She is very sweet and is still gaining our trust it’s a very long process. My aim is to take things slow, get her used to being handled and back her myself. Any tips, or similar experiences would be appreciated. She was stabled for a week with us going in/out getting her used to being touched/head collar on etc. she has since been turned out into paddock and we are having trouble turning in/out and catching her. She has lived in a field since birth so I knew this would be difficult to establish a routine
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Hello, welcome to the forum.
There's a thread for discussion of backing 4 yo s
TheMule

Thread 'Backing 3/4yr olds'

I haven't made a post on here for a very long time but I thought I would use the time gained on lockdown to document my progress with my two 3yr olds. I'm hoping other people can join in to share their stories too as time progresses.

Disclaimer: I wasn't aiming to start them until the Summer but they're both reasonably mature, the weather is amazing, I have time on my hands and everywhere is wonderfully quiet. I am keeping activities low risk and using my judgement, I have done this many times before. I have my own land so no fellow liveries we’re harmed in the making of this post!

I...
  • Like
 
Ebony2026 said:
fortunately have the funds available to be able to incorporate professional training handling and backing, personally I would like to give this a go myself (with help of course as previously mentioned on a regular basis, both backing and schooling)
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Sounds ideal....if you need recommendations of reliable professionals who'll come out to your yard regularly, there are loads of threads of that sort on here. Where (ish) are you based? It sounds like you have a good setup.
 
I used to do it in my younger days, getting unhandled 3 or 4 yo Fell ponies to train and eventually sell on. I really enjoyed doing it.
I did know my limits though, I wouldn't have taken on a young blood horse.
To be honest I found them far less trouble than something that had been messed with.
Sarah Weston's book, no fear no force is worth a read although it focuses on foals.
 
I would urge caution.

I bought my mare at 4 she had been broken, ridden away, had hunted once or twice and it still got harder before it got better.

With trust and age comes confidence and the confidence brings boundary pushing. It’s not them being “naughty”, just them learning to understand the world and their place in it.

I wish you luck! It’s a worthwhile journey you won’t forget, when done correctly.
 
Ebony2026 said:
Hi, I really do appreciate your honesty as it is useful in progressing along this journey.

I am not a complete novice and have ridden over the last few years, my mum done exactly the same with my first pony and we were lucky enough to have stables horses and land for many years. I’m very physically fit and have the help guidance and professionals to help when needed. I mean there must have been a day when you took on your first youngster? Do you think if younger you saw this reply it would have put a stop to you continuing to then do the same with several more youngsters?… being branded as a ‘horse destroyer’ before you even started? This was not about affordability at all, I had previously had a pony on loan with view to buy for £6k (this didn’t work out, that’s a story for another day) and fortunately have the funds available to be able to incorporate professional training handling and backing, personally I would like to give this a go myself (with help of course as previously mentioned on a regular basis, both backing and schooling)

I appreciate the fact that you’re concerns are well within reason, the difference is I am not expecting a magical journey I know that the reality is far from this. I am fortunate enough to be able to commit fully, take on knowledge and experience from close people around and get the professionals in when needed. I think to write me off as someone who is going to ‘ruin a horse’ is quite bitter and a preconception.
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welcome ebony, I have done what you are planning on doing.

I think it is a case of understanding and working out how you are going to deal with each stage as you go along. I never found backing to be a problem at all. If I had a new 4yo now as you have I would look to put in a years work with the aim of riding next Spring ie 2027 as a 5yo.

i would guess some on here will brand you as a horse destroyer because there have been several people who have come on here having made mistakes and being in a situation they cannot cope with without any help so they are cautious..
Can you give a bit more info about your new horse ie size and breed
 
I'm Dun said:
I sent my driving pony away, I did all the basic work beforehand. They still spent a week going over the basics as they saw so many needing remedial work. Mine didnt and was at her first driving competition 3 weeks from being put too. I did it mainly as I didnt have the help Id have needed. But I never did one myself again after that. They just did a better job than me. I gave up before my young highland was old enough to be backed, but hed have been sent off as well. Id never do another one myself. There are people who do this day in day out and have a depth of experience a normal person can never get even when theyve worked with horses and started their own. It just doesnt compare
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paddy555 said:
welcome ebony, I have done what you are planning on doing.

I think it is a case of understanding and working out how you are going to deal with each stage as you go along. I never found backing to be a problem at all. If I had a new 4yo now as you have I would look to put in a years work with the aim of riding next Spring ie 2027 as a 5yo.

i would guess some on here will brand you as a horse destroyer because there have been several people who have come on here having made mistakes and being in a situation they cannot cope with without any help so they are cautious..
Can you give a bit more info about your new horse ie size and breed
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Thankyou, that’s reassuring to hear and yes I do understand why some might automatically want to brand me as that however I really am not naive to the situation and willing to do whatever it takes to bring her on successfully.

She is a 4yr old Welsh D, currently 14h but is bum high so room to grow I think 🤔 if not I’ll be happy with height as I am a lightweight rider.

Had the vet out last week for her first vaccines as she came unvaccinated and also had lice, I have managed to sponge her with diluted diosect as per vet instruction and she took well to this. Just need to get her used to more handling and being groomed all over. I have farrier coming out in a weeks time as her feet are quite overgrown however wanted her to get used to a new home before bringing one out.

We are having luck bringing dinner out in the field and gently catching her, I’ve had some help from others on the yard but ideally looking to catch solely and her get into a routine of being stabled overnight, again this is only the second week and I’m hopeful she is now beginning to understand. This is the start of a very long process so yes I completely agree backing next spring and appreciate the advice.
 
Ebony2026 said:
Thankyou, that’s reassuring to hear and yes I do understand why some might automatically want to brand me as that however I really am not naive to the situation and willing to do whatever it takes to bring her on successfully.

She is a 4yr old Welsh D, currently 14h but is bum high so room to grow I think 🤔 if not I’ll be happy with height as I am a lightweight rider.

Had the vet out last week for her first vaccines as she came unvaccinated and also had lice, I have managed to sponge her with diluted diosect as per vet instruction and she took well to this. Just need to get her used to more handling and being groomed all over. I have farrier coming out in a weeks time as her feet are quite overgrown however wanted her to get used to a new home before bringing one out.

We are having luck bringing dinner out in the field and gently catching her, I’ve had some help from others on the yard but ideally looking to catch solely and her get into a routine of being stabled overnight, again this is only the second week and I’m hopeful she is now beginning to understand. This is the start of a very long process so yes I completely agree backing next spring and appreciate the advice.
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she sounds lovely and you are going to have a lovely summer training her. Once you get going together then lots of outings/walks around the countryside in hand, show her everything new, really bond with her. Mine have always done so much of that so by the time they are ridden it is all pretty boring. Take the wheely bin for a walk, take a 5 gallon can for a walk on a lead. All sounds crazy and you do get some funny looks but it is all bomb proofing. Enjoy and good luck.
 
paddy555 said:
she sounds lovely and you are going to have a lovely summer training her. Once you get going together then lots of outings/walks around the countryside in hand, show her everything new, really bond with her. Mine have always done so much of that so by the time they are ridden it is all pretty boring. Take the wheely bin for a walk, take a 5 gallon can for a walk on a lead. All sounds crazy and you do get some funny looks but it is all bomb proofing. Enjoy and good luck.
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Thankyou, oh yes that will be on the list to do in the next few weeks, that’s very true, so much walking around everywhere so she is very familiar with everything, thanks for the sound advice.
 
Jenko109 said:
The herd and grazing trump the human. There is no reason for her to let you catch her. She has never learnt that there is any benefit.

Couple that with her being a more mature horse who already knows her own mind.
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Thankyou, she is currently in a small paddock on her own at the moment. She can see the others as they are next door to her so this has made it a lot easier as she can’t essentially ‘hide’ behind another companion at the moment. She came in beautifully tonight for dinner and stable, let’s hope this Carry’s on!

I think she’s getting the idea as she sees the others walk past to go into their stables etc
 
Widgeon said:
Sounds ideal....if you need recommendations of reliable professionals who'll come out to your yard regularly, there are loads of threads of that sort on here. Where (ish) are you based? It sounds like you have a good setup.
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Amazing thankyou, I am south east Kent based. I have someone in mind but would be good to know of more please
 
Hi ebony

Well if you can catch her, I would do the grooming thing next, tie up if poss with breakable link, take the brush lightly along the bottom of neck round in circles. If OK groom and find the itchy oh I like it! Spots, top of rump, neck ,chest, withers while brushing all over, then specially the legs as the farrier is coming soon, see how she reacts, I would do this every day poss, watch her reaction to the grooming mainly her eyes, we have some who almost doze off

Then get the leading good, well fitting strong h c for control, walking and trotting on a loose rein is the aim, first breaking lesson lead well understand walk trot woah

It's all fun really!
 
tristars said:
Hi ebony

Well if you can catch her, I would do the grooming thing next, tie up if poss with breakable link, take the brush lightly along the bottom of neck round in circles. If OK groom and find the itchy oh I like it! Spots, top of rump, neck ,chest, withers while brushing all over, then specially the legs as the farrier is coming soon, see how she reacts, I would do this every day poss, watch her reaction to the grooming mainly her eyes, we have some who almost doze off

Then get the leading good, well fitting strong h c for control, walking and trotting on a loose rein is the aim, first breaking lesson lead well understand walk trot woah

It's all fun really!
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This is really good advice thankyou 😊
 
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