yearling advice please ?

why is she getting a yearling when when she doesnt know how/when/what to teach it? I would suggest that she either gets someone nearby who has experience in dealing with youngsters to help her or buys a horse that she knows more about like a schoolmaster.

Young horses need someone experienced otherwise they can become a handful
 
I personally would say that a yearling is not for her... Agree with TwoBays that she'd be better off buying an older more experienced horse or enlisting the help of somebody experienced with youngstock.
 
okay thanks
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With yearlings get them used to being handled and groomed, leading in hand, having feet picked out and also trimmed. I think it is a bit harsh of people to suggest she doesn't have such a young horse. I bred a foal some years ago which was a lovely experience but just because I hadn't bred one before didn't mean it was wrong thing to do.
 
If your friend really insists on getting a yearling then the first thing will be to bond. Everything that is done should be fun and done slowly. Halter breaking will be the first real test, and being able to catch her and lead her onto the yard and tie up / stand still for grooming / farrier. Then introduce walks. I have had my 3 year old since birth. By the time she was 18 months we could quite sensibly go out for 20 minutes walks. Now she is 3 and we go out for several hours and still in a headcollar although I could put a bridle on now if I wanted to. You need to be in the right frame of mind and have plenty of time, but if it goes right first time (lucky you) then keep it short. If it goes wrong dont get frustrated, the pony is a baby. Play games (football is quite good fun - use a soft ball so that they can pick it up). The most important thing is DONT rush it. There is nothing worse than seeing a saddle on a 2 year because all the owner wants to do is ride!
 
Thank you for the suggestions
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. And i thought it was a bit harsh suggesting that because she's never had a horse from such a young age that she shouldn't have a young horse at all.Especially When all she wants is too try something new and different. Thanks for the help
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I bought a yearling this year and the youngest horse I have ever had is 4. You have to start somewhere....
I do have help on hand and made sure that the little one had had a "proper" introduction to things before I got him so he was not too green.
He came from a family home and was able to be touched all over and brushed/caught/led/etc etc.
I have carried on with his education in leading, introducing farriers, tying up on the yard and walking up and down the lane in hand. He also walks over poles on the ground and round "spooky" areas of the yard in hand. He goes into the school for a walk around too.

He has my elderly mare for companionship and teaching him manners. He has two safe paddocks for turnout with horses either side as well.

Just make sure there are people around to help who have done it before and that you don't get something unhandled or too "spooky". It is a learning curve but very rewarding.
 
not saying she shouldnt get one because it is lovely have a young horse, just saying she needs help - in person. I bought a 15.1hh 18 mnth old when I was 16 after being on the BSJA circuit and wanting to do something different. I read lots and lots but nothing could be better than the experienced people who helped me out - a lot!
 
i got a yearling without any knowledge of youngsters i just read all the books etc and decided it was the right option for me you only get experience by getting on in the first place. I would recommend richard maxwells book it has loads of info in it
 
i brought a yearling about 3 months ago and had never had a youngster before but have been around horses all my life also work with them,he had only been brought in and out of stable daily,ive done the rest,tought him how to have his feet picked out and have had them trimmed twice now,shown him lots of different things he even waits for his meals i then give him a pat on the neck and he eats,he takes himself off to bed from the yard,ive bitted him,bathed him,trimmed all his feathers mane ect and now plaited him as i took him to a county show on sunday,his first ever show also bar me loading and unloading him in the lorry when it was static he hadnt been in the lorry before and he was a dream and just looked out of the window,its great and im loving teaching him new things
 
I bought a weanling last November and another later on. I had never had a baby before either. I have done everything with them and everyone comments on how much they trust me and well behaved they are and that you would never know they are yearlings. Its hard work but worth it, i love teaching them new things!
 
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