Tying up youngsters

[Foxford]

I tied my new rising 2yo up at the weekend just to see how he did, as I'm not entirely sure what he has and hasn't done before. I gave him a haynet and stood with him for 5 mins. There were no dramas, but he walks to the end of the rope and then walks to the other end before stopping in the middle for a bit of a munch.

I know the method of putting a long rope through the string and letting them move backwards if they panic. I'm just not sure that would help him, as he is not panicking, but struggling with the concept that he can't move away when he chooses!

I tried again this morning with a small pile of hay on the floor, and he did the same thing. Just wondered if anyone had any ideas or things to try!

 

[Abbeygale]

Personally what I would do is just to do 5 minutes here and there and very very gradually increase the time tied up - Don't leave him unattended - but as he gets used to it try standing further away. My favourite when doing this is to hide around the corner and just peak around the corner - so he can't see you. By doing it this way your youngster will come to learn that there is no big deal being tied up. If you are nearby then you should be able to untie him before any dramas occur

My 11month old baby ties up quite happily - but I never leave her tied up for more than 5 minutes - I think that is her concentration span at the moment!!!

 

[Jennypenny]

I always start them off tied up in a stable with a hay net. For a short time. Stay with them, maybe a nice groom and lots of fuss. They dont take long to get used to it.

 

[Foxford]

Ah, yes he doesn't move from his haynet in the stable so that's a good idea! I'll give it a quick go tonight when I bring him in.
Thanks!

 

[ajf]

Just practice and repetition until he learns!!!! never for very long though and always in the same place to start with (especially if this place is where he will be shod/clipped/vet treatments etc etc later in life, as he'll know to stay put!!!)

 

[SheadonSaffron]

For advice on this kind of issue, you may be interested to contact a Recommended Associate of the Intelligent Horsemanship Association (www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk) - many of them specialise in groundwork and working with youngsters.

 

[Shilasdair]

[ QUOTE ]
For advice on this kind of issue, you may be interested to contact a Recommended Associate of the Intelligent Horsemanship Association (www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk) - many of them specialise in groundwork and working with youngsters.

[/ QUOTE ]

And just by chance - there's a link to a 'Recommended Associate' in your signature! What a lucky coincidence for the OP.
S