My nerves when handling my rising 3 yr old filly

[Cazza1]

I have a rising 3 yr old filly, Welsh A.
I have had her for just over 6 months.
My problem is my anxiety and lack of confidence when handling her.
Because it's winter now, she's obviously not out as much, but when I do turn her out, she is obviously spirited. She is highly alert and it just makes me very nervous. I end up a nervous wreck by the time I get her out.
I really don't know how to get around this issue.
Can anyone advise please?

 

[TPO]

Can you find a yard that allows longer daily turnout, or preferably 24/7 turnout?

A youngster shouldn't be stabled for long durations. As you've already pointed out more turnout improves the situation because she is mentally healthier.

Additionally you need to hire/involved a good trainer to work with the youngster and to train you.

 

[Cazza1]

In Scotland it's pretty impossible to find somewhere with more winter turnout. I have tried. I really want her out as much as possible tho

 

[TPO]

In Scotland it's pretty impossible to find somewhere with more winter turnout. I have tried. I really want her out as much as possible tho

I'm in Scotland. Where about are you? There might be people on here who can suggest suitable places.

If you're fife/perth type way Balanced Equine do herd youngstock livery

 

[Glitter is Fun]

I don't know what part of Scotland you're in, Cazza but in my part all the youngsters are out 24/7 all year round.
At 2 years old, if you have to keep your filly further away and see less of her, that would be a fair price to pay for having her in a better situation. Could you look for a stud maybe? A lot of the native studs seem to have a fairly natural arrangement where the stallion lives out with the mares all year round and the youngsters are separate until ready for breeding. Maybe phone around & see if you can find a youngsters' herd that takes outsiders?

Once that issue is settled I'd also get some groundwork lessons from a trainer. If you know "when this happens I always xyz" that will lesson your anxiety a lot.



Cross-posted with TPO -slow typing!

 

[ihatework]

Keeping a rising 3yo in a stable for the majority of its time it setting yourself up for disaster, and there is a strong chance the pony will be significantly impacted for life.
If you are in an area where there is genuinely no 24/7 Youngstock turnout then a reasonable alternative will be a barned Youngstock livery.

 

[TPO]

Keeping a rising 3yo in a stable for the majority of its time it setting yourself up for disaster, and there is a strong chance the pony will be significantly impacted for life.
If you are in an area where there is genuinely no 24/7 turnout then a reasonable alternative will be a barned Youngstock livery.

I know someone in the carse of Stirling that does barned youngstock over winter too. Although yours might be a bit small to be in with sports horses.

I know someone who produces show ponies and natives in Clackmannanshire/fife area. They wouldnt be able to offer what you need but could possibly put you in touch eith others. I can think of possibly someone out Callander way who might have ponies turned away.

Has something changed? What was your plan when you bought a 2yr old? Did you buy from a stud? Can you go back to them and get at least a winter of herd turnout with similar sized ponies?

 

[scats]

Definitely try to get more turnout for starters. A stressed and excitable youngster spending too much time in isn’t going to be helping your nerves.

But in the meantime, keeping yourself as safe as possible will help your confidence. So hat, gloves, longer lead rope. Do you have a friend who can turn out with you for moral support? Even someone just chatting to someone about mundane stuff as you turn out can help to keep your nerves and energy a bit lower.