Training young horses

[Aleshiaburtx]

Hi I have a baby Connemara who’s turning 1 in just over a week. It’s perfect time to start introducing him to bathing as it’s summer.
First found out he hated it was when he caught lice of another horse and we had to treat him however treatment didn’t work so he has had the injection and now lice free.
However I want him to get used to bathing, he’s black but turning grey so he’s gonna have to get used to it hahah

however please can I have tips on how to bath a yearling that kicks and rears up when I put the sponge on and near him

 

[Carrottom]

Is he good to groom? If so, cut a sponge so it is the same size as a brush. Introduce it dry to start, when he's happy with that damp it slightly and rub gently on the shoulder area, little and often. When he's used to that progress to neck and back without making him too wet. I would do this over a few days and not move on until he's happy, patience now will pay off later.
I like to introduce a dripping sponge by asking the horse to follow it around, particularly if they are inquisitive. Then starting to put it on them like the dry/damp sponge.

 

[Red-1]

I like to introduce the wet sponge when they are wet already, I know how it feels to have cold water on you on a ht day, it is almost like an electric shock. But, warm water when you are already wet, that is a nice feeling.

So, I would wait for a rainy day, and use warm water.

 

[milliepops]

My yearling is wary of getting wet but loves being brushed. so I've been introducing the idea with a wet brush. May be another approach? i started with it just damp and have progressively added more water to it. I'll transition to a sponge later on, in the meantime I can get any grot off her with the brush anyway.