Shettie Advice Please

[Amykins]

Ok I have two things to ask advice about so her goes

, I bought a custom made travelling rug for "Jack attack" its wonderful and the colour would suit him so much the only problem is.....he has never worn a rug in his 2yr life, now I've tried bribary, dinner time and I'd like some advice as to how people have managed to get their horse/pony over this trauma

. I've let him look/sniff at it several times and his field buddy a 15hh cob seem's to like it more than Jack.

The next thing is, I've got him a red head collar and leadrope, now there are no problems, putting it on and what-not, but he wont move, again I have tried bribary and dinner time, and he gives me a look of "No chance"

Soon hopefully I'll be moving him, so I'm abit concerned as how I'll get him into the box

 

[lisa_dundee]

Just pick him up and tell him hes not big enough to argue... lol only joking can you get someone to walk behind him with a little stick and give him a tap so he understands to go forward with you and then give him a treat when hes following, but not too many treats as hel start nipping x

 

[Amykins]

I'd like to pick him up like a teddy and say "Hey tubby, move it"

and thanks Lisa will give it a go

 

[lisa_dundee]

And with the rug you try stroking him all over with it to show him it doesnt hurt and either tie him up or get someone to hold him and just throw it on, he may be panicked to start with but as long as he cant escape he will soon realise its not hurting him and leave it on a few hours and then keep taking it off and on. Hel be fine x

 

[Minxie]

I know this is going to be a bit controversial - but it works. Honestly.

Have you got an old rug you don't mind being destroyed. Drop it into the field and let you pony have a chew / stomp on it. Let him do so until he basically gets bored with the whole game and leave it alone. Repeat a few times. Apparently in his mind he's now the boss of the rug and its not at all scary to wear. I realise this sounds all very fluffy mitsy but there are loads of the young racehorses we used to get got round to it now end.

 

[f_s_]

We started with an old numnah, putting it on and off, letting him sniff it, throw it about etc.

Now he doesn't care what you put on his back, usually my grooming brushes as he's my mobile tack tray!!!

Now, sh*tlands are stubborn, and mine often plays the...I would rather stay here in this nice warm stable, where people can coo over me, than go out there!!!

I just keep the pressure on until he walks forward, quickly release the pressure and praise him lots, he soon cottoned on to the idea that when I say go, he does!!

If he won't go forward,make him move his feet, anyway will do, backwards, sideways, whatever, as long as he steps away, you're wining the battle...maybe not the war!!!

Good luck, they are very clever, and I've never known a breed that was bred to be the hardiest animal, that loves luxury so much!!