Loose Schooling my new filly

[zobags]

Hi

I have just recently brought a 2 year old (she'll be three in August). Her previous owners have done what seems a pretty good job on the ground work, she has already been tacked up and will happily take a bit. I have no intention of backing her until next summer as she's in the middle of a growth spurt atm.

We have a round pen on our yard, and wondered what the general consensus is on loose schooling her in there, just to reinforce the vocal commands "walk on" "Stand" and start working on the "trot on" command.

 

[Toast]

I'd get on with it. Mine have been loose schooled from very early on.

 

[LaurenBay]

If its a large pen, yes. If its a small pen then, no. Because it wouldn't do her joints any good to go round in small circles, especially as she is having a growth spurt. Have you thought about in hand walks? You can still use voice commands, deepen your bond, teach her ground manners and get her out looking at new things.

 

[zobags]

I'm going to take her out in hand at the weekend, we have a lovely track that runs along the back of our yard and out down to the river. I've not done too much with her for the last two weeks as I wanted to leave her to settle in, but nothing seems to phase her apart from leaving one of the boys in the paddock who she has fallen in love with!