What do I do with my 2 year old now

[yvonne36]

Hi. I'm new here and I need some advice. I have a 2 year old gelding - had him since birth as I didn't know my beautiful mare was in foal when I bought her. He was pretty well handled up until weaning at 7 months when he was put out to play with the big boys. I still bring him in weekly for grooming, feeding and feet but really haven't done much else. Should I be doing things now? Like what?
Anyone done Monty Roberts join up?

I'm pretty inexperienced but have come this far and would hate to make major mistakes now.

 

[catymmh]

I have been looking at this book called the building blocks of training and in the back there is a section called the timescales of training and although it all really starts from 3 -4 years of age is says that prior to backing he should be accepting of general handling (which it sounds yours is), obedience to voice aids. The book says the next step (before backing) would be getting him to accept wearing saddle, bridle and lunging gear but I'm guessing this would be bit further on. My trainer also works with a foal and does say it's all about handing and working on the relationship at this stage so I'd concentrate on that.

 

[Cop-Pop]

With my youngsters I started working them at two - firstly getting them used to the bit and bridle then walking them out in hand and getting them used to traffic. Also long reining, walking and trotting in hand over poles, putting a saddle on them etc. With some of the ones with attitude I also have an old pair of jeans I sewed the bottoms up and put some sand in them and tied it to the stirrups to put a little bit of weight on their backs. I used to make handy pony courses in the school and all sorts

It generally meant that the backing at three went like a dream

 

[zelli]

I personally wouldnt join up with a 2 yr old that you have had since birth, as i imagine you already have a very good relationship (i know i have with my 2 yr old that i got at the age of 6 months). Handling is definately the key, again, I personally wouldnt put tack of any sort of them, however, i will be long reining both my 2 yr olds this summer, and they will be shown the world, getting them used to traffic and new experiences and scary stuff (although the one ive had since 6 months isn't scared of anything, first time he ever saw a plastic bag he chased it because it tried to fly away from him!). Avoid lungeing, as they are at a crucial stage of growing and this is very hard work on their legs. But work on turning him into a bomb proof do anything horse, introduce everything at the pace he can cope with, and have fun!

 

[Llanali]

At two we were putting rugs on and off, pulling manes, trimming and making sure he was okay to be tied up on his own, walked down the very quiet lane etc. Think we had lunging rollers on by then too actually.

 

[hayleymitch]

As much u can do with him in the means of showing him everything and getting him used to different situations it will only help u both in the future.
And i would also get him bitted and a roller on his back, and get him used to that i think u cant do enough long reining either did my little man the world of good.
Good luck let us know how u get on

 

[moneypit1]

Chill out, hes 2. He will be fine. I once bought a 4 yo, untouched and within 6 mths he was a puppy! xx

 

[Vicki_Krystal]

i took my 2yr old to local in hand shows - just for silly classes like handsomest gelding, best condition, youngstock etc.
it just meant that he was learning about going to parties at a young age and get used to lots of horses around him.
i was also leading him down lanes, across the common etc
it was like walking a big dog!