new pony - hacking out alone and how to get her to stand still when brushing?

[rafty]

Well all seems to be going OK with new pony who arrived Friday morning. I had a lesson on her on Friday afternoon as she was very good, and she did stand still when being brushed etc. Then went to see her on Saturday morning and she seemed slightly more unsettled so I jjust spent time with her in field.

Today I went down with my kids to see her, got her out of field and tied her up to be brushed. She seemed slightly nervous today and did not want to stand still to be brushed, I think this is down to of course a new home and I think she has not been taught very good ground manners. She is always looking for treats as her old owner constantly gave her treats! Plus she has this annoying habit of trying to continuely scratch her head and rub on you. Whats the best way to teach her not to do this and to stand still when being brushed? I just want to make sure I manage it the correct way, even if its just new home nerves. Oh and today we even had pawing on the ground, I believe it is best to ignore this? But any other tips would be great.

However, she was fine once tacked up and I had my kids riding her around the school, playing games, going around cones etc. Then I rode her and my kids stood in the middle pretending to be the teacher telling me what to do. She was fine, and once we had finished she was slightly better when being brushed, but still not very still and this head scratching annoyingness!!

I was also thinking of hacking her out on my own tomorrow, but not sure if I should take her in hand first? Hmmmm, not sure what to do ?? She is 15 so a pretty steady ride, but still I don't want to muck it up and it go wrong. I cannot hack out with anyone else so its either go for it, or walk in hand??

Thanks

 

[kerrieberry2]

with regards to the hacking alone, If I were you, I would much rather ride her out for the first time! As if she is worried about anything, you can use your leg to reassure her and push her on, where as if your on the ground and she does something silly you could end up losing control and have a horse galloping around not knowing where to go! have you got anyone that could walk or ride a bike along side of you?

 

[rafty]

with regards to the hacking alone, If I were you, I would much rather ride her out for the first time! As if she is worried about anything, you can use your leg to reassure her and push her on, where as if your on the ground and she does something silly you could end up losing control and have a horse galloping around not knowing where to go! have you got anyone that could walk or ride a bike along side of you?

My friend was supposed to coming over to bike ride out with me this week, but she can;t come for a couple of weeks now. I think you are right, I will pick and small route and ride her out. I may ride in the arena first and then do a small hack around the village to cool down.

 

[Cocorules]

To get her to stand still I would just keep moving her back to where you want her to stand. No major fuss just keep putting her back.

To stop her rubbing her head on you again move her back but if you are quick and can anticipate it happening react by doing something like hitting yourself or running up and down on the spot ie act strange and it should make her back off. You have to be 100% consistent though.

With the leg thing react by scraping your own leg. Do not ignore it as that makes it ok.

She will be settling in and having to learn new rules so you have to be very clear and consistent especially with a horse that is likely to be set in her ways good luck and do post again to say what works and doesn't for you.

 

[cobmum]

With regards to the not standing still for grooming, what i have done in the past is continue to groom whilst they move around and as soon as they stop moving, stop grooming - reward for correct behaviour.

 

[rafty]

To get her to stand still I would just keep moving her back to where you want her to stand. No major fuss just keep putting her back.

To stop her rubbing her head on you again move her back but if you are quick and can anticipate it happening react by doing something like hitting yourself or running up and down on the spot ie act strange and it should make her back off. You have to be 100% consistent though.

With the leg thing react by scraping your own leg. Do not ignore it as that makes it ok.

She will be settling in and having to learn new rules so you have to be very clear and consistent especially with a horse that is likely to be set in her ways good luck and do post again to say what works and doesn't for you.

OK, will try these they sound like good tips. Thanks

 

[katie_southwest]

When I moved my pony to her new home , I took her out in hand the first time, just for a short walk but the route we would be going the next day.
In my head then I knew she had been out on her own and I felt much more confident the next day when I rode the same route.
Gave her the opportunity to find anything scary the first day
As for the head rubbing and fidgeting, Im sure once she settles into her new home and routine she will settle down. Dont forget shes only been there for 2 days
Just try and be consistent with your handling, eg if your going to be strict about head rubbing and fidgeting around when brushing , make sure you tell her firmly 'no' every time.
She will soon settle Im sure
Sounds like you and the kids are having fun (Id have loved to boss my mum around on my pony )

 

[rafty]

When I moved my pony to her new home , I took her out in hand the first time, just for a short walk but the route we would be going the next day.
In my head then I knew she had been out on her own and I felt much more confident the next day when I rode the same route.
Gave her the opportunity to find anything scary the first day
As for the head rubbing and fidgeting, Im sure once she settles into her new home and routine she will settle down. Dont forget shes only been there for 2 days
Just try and be consistent with your handling, eg if your going to be strict about head rubbing and fidgeting around when brushing , make sure you tell her firmly 'no' every time.
She will soon settle Im sure
Sounds like you and the kids are having fun (Id have loved to boss my mum around on my pony )

They loved telling me what to do! They stood in the middle with a riding crop to point at the letters they wanted me to turn at or change diagonal. Very funny, but also meant I got to ride without them finding it boring!!

 

[Meowy Catkin]

I was also thinking of hacking her out on my own tomorrow, but not sure if I should take her in hand first? Hmmmm, not sure what to do ?? She is 15 so a pretty steady ride, but still I don't want to muck it up and it go wrong. I cannot hack out with anyone else so its either go for it, or walk in hand??

Having just got back from walking my gelding (2 year old) down the lane for an hour with my helper walking the grey (4 year old), I am a fan of walking in-hand. I don't believe that it is any more risky or dangerous than riding as long as you aren't silly about it. I always wear gloves and I like to attach a long leadrope or leadrein to the bridle (unless the horse isn't bitted). I always wear hi-viz and pick a quiet short route to start with and build up from there.

If my chestnut mare ever comes back into work (uncertain at the moment) she will be led out in-hand first.