laurarose
New User
I have just taken on two New Forest Ponies, mother and daughter. The farmer has told me that the daughter is 3yrs and the mum is 12yrs and they have been living out in the field their whole lives. The mum apparently used to be ridden by children.
At the moment, they are in a field with some cows. I ideally want to get them used to humans, move them out of the field and into a smaller field/standing paddock whilst I get them into better condition. They need a good groom, de worming, dentist, farrier etc.
I'm currently going into their field 2/3 times a day to get them used to me and build up a bond. The foal is really curious and cheeky. It's only been a week and she's already letting me scratch her all over, pick up her front feet and let me groom her with brushes. She's touchy around her ears, but I'm trying not to push her too fast. Great considering she hadn't even been touched by anyone before and the farmers couldn't get close to her. She follows me around the field and has let my friend stroke her too!
The mum isn't as keen. She'll eat carrots out of my hand but other than that she doesn't want to know. She will try and nip if I try and stroke her. She is quite skinny so I have a feeling she probably has worms.
I would like to break the 3 year old pony in. This isn't something I have done before. What is the best stages of breaking in a pony? How should I progress in terms of taming her? I was planning on trying to get a head collar on her next, just to get her used to that! Would it be too soon for me to do this?
Also, do you think that once I have tamed the 3 year old, the mum may become a bit more interested once she see's I'm not a big scary monster!!
I'm just looking for some general tips and advice!
Thanks x
At the moment, they are in a field with some cows. I ideally want to get them used to humans, move them out of the field and into a smaller field/standing paddock whilst I get them into better condition. They need a good groom, de worming, dentist, farrier etc.
I'm currently going into their field 2/3 times a day to get them used to me and build up a bond. The foal is really curious and cheeky. It's only been a week and she's already letting me scratch her all over, pick up her front feet and let me groom her with brushes. She's touchy around her ears, but I'm trying not to push her too fast. Great considering she hadn't even been touched by anyone before and the farmers couldn't get close to her. She follows me around the field and has let my friend stroke her too!
The mum isn't as keen. She'll eat carrots out of my hand but other than that she doesn't want to know. She will try and nip if I try and stroke her. She is quite skinny so I have a feeling she probably has worms.
I would like to break the 3 year old pony in. This isn't something I have done before. What is the best stages of breaking in a pony? How should I progress in terms of taming her? I was planning on trying to get a head collar on her next, just to get her used to that! Would it be too soon for me to do this?
Also, do you think that once I have tamed the 3 year old, the mum may become a bit more interested once she see's I'm not a big scary monster!!
I'm just looking for some general tips and advice!
Thanks x
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