Teaching 2 yr old to stand. Ideas please!

[Jesstickle]

I have a two year old filly. She knows how to lead and pick up her feet etc and she is a real sweety but she doesn't seem to understand that sometimes she just has to stand still. No reason why she would really as she has had minimal handling and probably hasn't ever had to!

I think she does most of the things she does as she is good natured, not because she understands that she has to if that makes sense. She'll tie up nicely and stand for as long as she is happy but once bored she gets really fidgety. It is the same when leading her. Mostly fine unless she really wants to go somewhere else and then she won't stop and stand, just keeps trying to pull you along.

Non of it is bad natured, I don't think anyway, more of a lack of understanding as to why she can't just do what she wants, so I don't want to tell her off.

How do I 'explain' to her nicely that actually she's a grown up now (well, not just living in a herd in the field anyway) and sometimes she has to do what I say?

 

[michellev123]

I have a two year old filly. She knows how to lead and pick up her feet etc and she is a real sweety but she doesn't seem to understand that sometimes she just has to stand still. No reason why she would really as she has had minimal handling and probably hasn't ever had to!

I think she does most of the things she does as she is good natured, not because she understands that she has to if that makes sense. She'll tie up nicely and stand for as long as she is happy but once bored she gets really fidgety. It is the same when leading her. Mostly fine unless she really wants to go somewhere else and then she won't stop and stand, just keeps trying to pull you along.

Non of it is bad natured, I don't think anyway, more of a lack of understanding as to why she can't just do what she wants, so I don't want to tell her off.

How do I 'explain' to her nicely that actually she's a grown up now (well, not just living in a herd in the field anyway) and sometimes she has to do what I say?

This sums up Oscar my 2yo perfectly!! He is so well behaved but sometimes just looks at you as if to say "why?!"

Im no help but will be very interested in the answers!

Bump!!!!

 

[eggs]

At 2 she is not a grown up! If she turned 2 this year she is still quite a youngster.

My two year olds also lived out in a herd and was used to being handled, feet picked out, groomed, etc but I would not expect them to stand still for long. If you really want to perservere with this try asking her to stand for a short time, praise her and let her move on and gradually extend the time.

Being towed along is a different matter in my view and one that does need addressinb before she gets too big and strong. I have had lot of success with a cheapo Parelli halter with youngsters that want to barge/not lead etc.

 

[Jesstickle]

At 2 she is not a grown up! If she turned 2 this year she is still quite a youngster.

Don't worry I know she isn't a grown up. I really do mean that it is just time for her to begin to learn to be one. Get some ground work established. Even if it is just standing still for the farrier and learning to move over! I should have said that I don't actually expect her to stand there for hours. We're talking more like 20 minutes really.

She doesn't really tow me about as such. But maybe the halter is a good idea. She's turning into a bit of a strapping lass all of a sudden and like you say I don't want it to become a big issue. Maybe someone on my yard has one I can steal and have a go with

 

[canteron]

Read Alex Kurkland(?) book on clicker training. You don't necessarily have to do the clicker training, but this book tells you how to break all training issues (even standing still) down to small parts and how critical your timing is to communicate the horse the behaviour you are looking for. It is possibly the most thought provoking and useful book on training I have ever read!

 

[Jesstickle]

really weirdly canteron I had thought about clicker training. And it really is weird because it isn't something I've ever thought about before as I come from a racing yard where I'd be laughed at and am the child of a hard hunting mother who would also laugh at me. I'll definitely look into that.

 

[Kallibear]

At 2yrs old she should be able to stand still but not for ages. I wouldn't expect a baby to stand still tied up for more than a couple of mins with nothing to do, but I WOULD expect them to stand still whilst having something done to them, eg being groomed for a couple of mins.

Patience and repetition!

Establish a 'stand' command. I use a hand on the headcollar and a flat hand on the chest/shoulder, a still, relaxed and quiet body language (if you're moving and 'fidgetting' you can't expect her to be standing still!) and a firm but relaxed 'Stand'. Hold the stance totally still for a couple of seconds then praise as she also stands still. Repeat for as long as it takes. If she fidgets about, tell her firmly (but calm) 'NO', calmly put her back to where she was and ask again.

You're body language and actions are important: shouting or getting animated at her will acheive nothing - you're trying to get her calm and quiet enough to stand still.

And give her a couple of seconds to comply in - telling her to stand then yelling or smacking her a couple of seconds later if she doesn't do it doesn't help in the slightest (think how many people you see yelling and yanking the leadrope at their horses trying to make them stand!) as you've not given her time to do as she's asked.

On top of that, build up her 'boredom threshhold'. They do need to learn to stand and be bored whilst tied up: they need to learnt to just doze off and be quiet. Giving a small haynet in a quiet relaxed area, letting her finish it then standing for a little while afterwards, gradually building up the length of time, will set her up well for later life.

 

[Bruised]

I used a Dually halter. It worked a treat and now she stands still the moment she's asked. I found the DVD you get with it very helpful.

 

[teddyt]

Time, patience and repetition with clear consistant communication. And a recognition that you need to work at a level that the individual horse can work at (and cope with)and not ask too much, even if you think its not asking too much it could be for the individual horse.

 

[Enfys]

Excellent advice from Kallibear. Time, consistency (choose a cue and stick to it) patience and repetition.

I start mine a lot younger, like as soon as they are leading, but as you said she's had minimal handling and doesn't know any better. She sounds biddable enough though and it always help if they want to please.

Good Luck.

 

[Jesstickle]

Went and practised asking really calmly for her to stand and just pushing her back to where she was and she was very good. I shall continue and I'm sure she'll learn pretty quickly.Shes a bright little button. Has learnt to pick up her feet in only a few weeks so I'm sure she'll get it very quickly! She is a real people person and loves being told she's good.

Thank you all for the advice!