Rearing Yearling

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AlisonMi

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Hi Guys - anyone got any views/advice on this as I'm rapidly falling out with 14 month old selle francais x 'baby' (!!??) Its been over a couple of times (totally unperturbed) and we've tried a 'Be nice' halter to some effect - but limited. 8/10 times she (yes, its not a colt!) is as good as gold but new/unusual noises/other horses passing will always set her off and she is not always careful where she goes on landing. Never really had a rearer before!!! Help!! Many thanks
 
I'm not sure I would suggest a chifney at this age; it is a bit harsh for a baby, however perhaps leading in a bridle would give you slightly more control; have to say I am dubious though as you can never control where a horse lands once it is off the ground.

What you really need to do is get her used to things, desensitise her to this freaking she is doing. I would also be very firm with her and not let her get away with anything right now. No I don't mean hitting, just raising your voice and making her stand every time she muffs around. If you teach her manners in a way that commands respect, then you generally get it eventually.
 
try a pressure halter, im getting a foal in oct at weaning im going to get him one next year when he's a bit older, but as he's kept nxt door to my own horses i go and handle him everyday so hopefully wont get major problems!!!
 
echo what tia has said ... Missy was like this shes now 16 months old and is as good as gold, She came to us with very little manners , start with her in the stable and gradually work around the yard , be firm..... you want her to do something ie stand still then make sure she listens to you .

Will hopefully pay off for you and do not let her get away with anything . good luck
 
What exactly are you doing with her?
IMO yearlings should be left well alone, they can go over very eaily if they are that way inclined - especially a weak filly.
I would at least mouth as a 2yo (by mouth I mean thoroughly, not just bitted), and she should snap out of it.
If she doesnt, as long as she is mouthed you could then use a chifney.
 
Headcollar - not a be nice or any other type of pressure halter as these can make them go up (I've learnt to my cost).

Is she doing it when she feels pressured? And what exactly are the circumstances that she is doing it in.

Absolutely do not stick a chiffney in it's mouth - unless you want to ruin it.....
 
When I had two yearlings and was walking them around getting them used to stuff and being led etc, they sometimes would go up (and backwards and sideways...) I just growled or shouted and calmed them by talking patting, showing them whatever they were scared of etc. They just needed reassurance really. I certainly wouldn't have considered a chifney or strong halter.
Just voice and calm and praise when they did good.
smile.gif
 
I echo JavaJane, have been lifted off the floor by a couple of TB yearlings in my time. But never resorted to a pressure headcollar (although they weren't around back then) or a chifney. At that age they are still growing, when we lead ours out we always use a 20ft rope so if they do go up they can't get away. The main thing we like to make sure is that the youngsters never learn that they can get free from the person leading them. Yours will soon calm down over time, they all do it, some more than others, they are babies at the end of the day just trying your patience, and boy have you got to have loads of that. Good Luck with her hope it all sorts itself out.
 
I've found it's a phase they go through and then grow out of. I had one (7/8TB) who spent about 18 months on his hind legs. It was his answer to anything that spooked him or that he wanted to argue about. I used to just ignore him and keep walking. He grew out of it eventually and was backed with absolutely no dramas and was a very nice horse.
 
I agree with the latter responses - keep to the headcollar, verbally reprimanded but wouldn't do much more than that. Try to de-sensitise, try not to put under too much pressure & just take your time. If you react too sharpely at this stage, you're likely to compound the problem.
 
a few years ago my friend had a beautiful palamino arab stallion (now gelded) she used to have a lady work for her at her yard mucking out etc... anyway she was using a chifney on my friends horse but she wasn't overly convinced but this lady assured her its the best thing to use, one day my friend went to see him in his stable and he yawned, thats when she noticed that the inside of his mouth was black with bruises!!! she sacked the chifney and the yard lady!!! as the lady said she wouldn't handle him unless he was used with one. within 2 weeks of lady gone he was in a normal headcollar and he was fine, i was 14 at the time and i coped with him and rode him!!! unfortunately she had him gelded as a 7 year old, but he's just as stunning!!! good luck with your little filly.
 
Thanks to everyone that has responded - its great to hear that this is more that likely just a phase - its abit like having children really - you can often learn from others experience! I'm definitely not going to consider a chifney and we always use a lunge line so irrespective of what she does she always ends up where we want her (eventually!) Thanks again for sharing your experiences - I'll post Merlies progress (or advert!!)
 
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