Untouched 3 year old, where do I start?

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booboo444

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Just purchased a lovely 16.2 hh 3 year old mare who has only been over here a couple of weeks (from Belgium) but has NEVER been touched as been in a field since birth. I viwed her loose in the school & she had amazing paces and a lovely jump but she literally shakes at the back of the box if anyone goes near her and bolts away. Im picking her up in a couple of days and although I have agood idea of my plans with her would appreciate any other advice on handling her etc and tips on getting her to trust me so I can easily start leading her to and from field etc. The present owner has haltered her but your lucky if you can get hold of it.
 
Time and patience are what you'll need. I'd personally put her in a stable and not turn her out until you've gained her trust otherwise you'll be in for some long, long nights tailing her round the field
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She'll probably come round quite quickly though once she realises you bring food and other good stuff
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Its all about patience. I found lots of food helped! I wouldnt try grabbing her or startling her, just gently try a little more everyday without frightening her.

I did this with my little girl (forest bred) and she is amazing, you can do anything with her. I also try to not make a big deal out of anything, so she cant feel me getting wound up.

The leading was hard work, but once there is no fear and they trust you you can start being a little more firm.

I really feel i have a good bond with my mare after going through this, i have broken her myself too. Everything i have done hasnt fazed her, as i have always jumped around her and let her look at everything. She isnt spooky and getting on ehr was never an issue.

Good luck!
 
I had one of these!! I just spent hours with her in the stable getting her trust, slowly stroking her, moving her round the stable with the headcollar on so that she is learning to lead but in a confined space, dont pull her just gently suggest where to go if you get what I mean without a leadrope etc. Mine only went out in field cos it was possible to herd her back in. Just spend hours even just sat there with her.
Leading wise I just let her career round a small paddock on a lunge line til she calmed down then started doing the same as I did in the stable but on the lunge til she accepted it. She was still abit of a bugger to catch so I left one of them field headcollars on, I had one that you can lead from then progressed to the one with rubber connectors that you put your headcollar over the top but you had something to grab hold of!

Sorry its long!
Keep us updated with how you get on!!!
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My 3 year old was fairly untouched when I got him - halter broken, but not much else - didn't use food to get his trust as he is entire, but just spent lots of time with him, getting him used to being brushed, feet picking up etc. Very friendly chap now!!
 
My 3 and a half year old was pretty much untouched and any handling he had experienced has been rough and agressive. We turned him out and for the first week i just went down with a feed and some treats... gradually he would come over and we started from there... have done everything gently and quietly and now he wears all his tack, long lines in the school and out on a 'mini hack' and is unphased by anything...

Good luck and let us know how you get on... its a really rewarding way of doing things!

xx
 
Hi,

I worked for someone who bought a 2 year old shire x tb mare who was totally untouched. It was my job to spend lots of time with her, feeding her, grooming her, etc etc. She was a nervous wreck.
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We took it slowly as we were very aware that, if she was not ready to progress, she wouldn't have faith in us.

She came on in leaps and bounds and now is competing successfully at Grand Prix level dressage.
 
Its probably down to the nature of the horse, my 3 year old is handled but so nervy she is a nightmare! After 6 weeks we can finally walk the same route to the field (accompanied by my other horse) but slowly but surely she is coming round - my other 3 year old was easy as pie is nature was so laid back he just did whatever was asked of him (once been shown).
Good luck i'm sure the benefits of seeing what you've achieved will far outway all the hardwork you know you'll have to put in!
 
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