New owner, 8 month old pony, please help :)

[Naomikate]

Hi all,

I've never owned my own horse before but have helped out with my partner's 2 4 year old geldings for the past few years, and recently rescued an 8 month old filly, untouched, but absolutely lovely, the sweetest nature! Anyway, I'm trying to get to grips with teaching her the basics, such as haltering, leading, being tied, manners, etc and I'm noticing a few issues, such as lots of pawing when not getting any attention, crowding me when I'm near her, and striking out when she's not keen on something, usually when putting headcollat on, or walking in certain places, she's also really not impressed with spraying, but as she's never been de-liced, she obviously really needs to be! I'm sure they're easily sorted but was just looking for any tips or advice? My partner and yard owner are really helpful but any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated

Thanks!

 

[Princess16]

Try Alex Kurlands book on clicker training covers everything you are looking for.

 

[twiggy2]

does she have lice? mine has never been do-loused and she is almost 8 but she does not have lice so it is not an issue.

all of the 'problems' you describe are fairly standard for a foal that is starting its education, get some professional help as every thing you do now will mold her for life.

 

[Naomikate]

Yes, she does have lice, we have managed to deosect her once, just need to do it once more hopefully... And thank you, I will look into getting that book

 

[Merlin11]

Richard Maxwell's book 'train your young horse' is also good.

 

[Firefly9410]

To get her used to spraying try fly spray or coat shine, deosect stings. My laid back lad is never impressed with that stuff. You do not want her thinking all sprays are nasty.

 

[Exploding Chestnuts]

coopers lice powder?

 

[dollyanna]

Most people think that sprays are scary because of the noise, but I realised with my youngster it was the feel of thousands of tiny "flies" of water landing that distressed her, and just wiping my hand over as I sprayed was enough to reassure her that there was a physical thing there and she didn't need to react. Gradually I paused longer and longer between spray and stroke so that now I can just spray normally for her whole body most of the time.

 

[Dry Rot]

coopers lice powder?

No longer legal to apply direct to livestock.

Horses don't usually like sprays, probably because of the sound.

As they say, the solution is obvious!