Tips/recommendations for a very nervous, unhandled horse?

[EquiMaddie]

Hi everyone! So I currently own a 5 year old Connemara who was sold to us due to the fact that he is completely feral and the owner didn't want him. He's a lovely horse, super inquisitive and very curious but, despite having had him for around a year, he is very wild. He is, obviously, unbroken and can't even have a head collar put on him and I'm planning on spending this summer putting good time and effort in to getting him tame. Due to his inquisitive nature, I have actually managed to groom his front half with a brush but that is about as far as I can get as he is so afraid of humans. I was just wondering, has anyone else had a horse like this and does anyone have any tips or ideas on how I can start getting him used to me?

 

[stormox]

Yes I have experience of several unhandled nervous horses straight from the mountains and fields where they were born.
I find it essential to put them into a stable. Then when you visit them you are bringing hay water or feed and they start to look forward to you coming to visit them.
Get a headcollar onto them asap. Even if it takes 2 or 3 people to gently corner him the first time.
Soon you will be able to hold the headcollar while he feeds and before you know it, if you take things slowly and consistantly withoud scaring him you will be able to clip a lead rope on and lead him round the stable.
Once you have his trust and a lead rope you can gently progress to touching him all over.
I usually find these sorts come to hand fairly quickly and end up better mannered horses than spoilt incorrectly handled ones.

 

[be positive]

Yes I have experience of several unhandled nervous horses straight from the mountains and fields where they were born.
I find it essential to put them into a stable. Then when you visit them you are bringing hay water or feed and they start to look forward to you coming to visit them.
Get a headcollar onto them asap. Even if it takes 2 or 3 people to gently corner him the first time.
Soon you will be able to hold the headcollar while he feeds and before you know it, if you take things slowly and consistantly withoud scaring him you will be able to clip a lead rope on and lead him round the stable.
Once you have his trust and a lead rope you can gently progress to touching him all over.
I usually find these sorts come to hand fairly quickly and end up better mannered horses than spoilt incorrectly handled ones.

I agree if they are stabled for a while they learn very quickly that you are essential to their well being and come round fairly quickly, trying to get a headcollar on in the field is nearly impossible even if you have help and will probably end up with the pony even more wary of people, I would use a leather headcollar for safety with a short length of rope hanging down so you can get hold without being too close.

You need to have confidence and take things slowly but if you don't make a real effort to get to the next stage it may never come round if you keep waiting for the pony to make the decision to be caught.

 

[JillA]

Sarah Westons book No Fear No Force is what you want https://www.amazon.co.uk/No-Fear-Fo...8&qid=1523713433&sr=8-3&keywords=sarah+weston

Based on her years of experience handling New Forest foals off the forest. But as above, you need to get him used to being confined, otherwise he can choose just to leave. And routine is important, small feeds in a definite routine will get him used to associating you with food at set times.