What could I expect from a yearling - training

[MyBoyChe]

Have a couple of baby shetlands lined up to view, well yearlings anyway. Realistically what should I expect to be able to ask them to do?
My plan is to carry on with the basic handling, trimming, grooming and learning to stand, tie up nicely etc until next spring, then as a 2 yr old start a little bit of agility, trick training. Just very basic simple stuff and short baby sessions through next spring, summer and autumn with another break over winter 2024. Pony will only ever be worked in hand so Id like to start building the bond but dont want to confuse him. Experiences to share please

 

[Gloi]

Don't worry if they are unhandled at that age when you get them they'll soon come round
Eventually I'd hope they'll come to call and let you put a headcollar on and lead nicely, be able to groom and pick up feet , brush and allow farrier to trim.
If you are going to show them then also trailer training, bath and trot well in hand.

 

[BBP]

At 17 months mine had zero training. Only ever had a head collar on to be gelded, then brought in to stable to be sold, then loaded on to box to ship over from Ireland.

Once he arrived I just kept in mind that he knew absolutely nothing so absolutely every moment of time I spent near him was teaching him something, so I was very mindful that each interaction mattered.

 

[ihatework]

To purchase?
I wouldn’t expect anything but would be happy if they catch/halter/pick feet.

Last yearling I bought for considerable money tried to maim themselves and others when trying to load and nearly took my head off with front and back feet if I so much as wanted to touch legs, let alone lift feet

All easily (ish) sorted

 

[MyBoyChe]

Im told the one I like the most is easy to lead, have a pic of him tied up quite happily and has been regularly trimmed by farrier. Im seeing him with his breeder so hopefully he has had a good start, I want to continue that without overdoing the expectation

 

[blitznbobs]

Have their feet done and lead is good but tbh at that age very little.

 

[CanteringCarrot]

When I bought my yearling he was familiar with the trailer, halters, leading, getting regular trims and accepting of humans touching him and being in his space.

As a 2 year old he now ties (started at 1.5), free lunges, goes over poles, bathes, gets clipped, loads nicely, ground ties, walks over tarps, tolerates brollies, picks things up on command, is used to me standing over him on a mounting block, and knows some various tricks and maneuvers on the ground (turn on forehand, or haunches, "leg yield"). He's had a bareback pad with girth on him too. Short sessions, but he learns quickly and seems to like the interaction.

I generally "work" with him twice a week. Most times that "work" is him just standing there while I groom him and faff about.