Yearling-napping, moving 'over'

[daisydoo]

I haven't had my youngster for long and just want to make sure I am going in the right direction. I haven't had any major issues but obviously don't want minor ones to turn into huge ones!

I've been taking D out for walks around the grounds and I would think she would love to get back to her paddock and playmate but no she stops at her gate, this has happened twice now and each time I have perservered, walked a few circles and eventually she would follow me in, I've tried waggling the lead rope at her hindquarters, ignores that, being calm and just waiting, putting my hand out to coax her in works after about 10mins so not really that long but still is this the right way or do I need to be harsher to get quicker results or just carry on as I am getting her in with a bit of coaxing (I never use food for this).

Next question, I gave her a good brush and a bit of a sponge down, dreadlocks of mud under her belly and legpits, argh she was trying to kick the sponge and brush away, not kicking at me but she really didnt like it. I kept telling her to stand still and backing her up etc when she was invading my space, which she does now and again, and I try and move her over but she stands firm, she is ok to back up, I do this alot when leading her, I turn and face her, give a gentle nudge of the leadrope and say 'back' but usually have to gently press on her shoulder and she does it. Now, when she swings her hindquarters to me I dont want to have to 'push' her over. Shall I use waggle a leadrop at her hindquarters or a lunge whip? I've tried squaring up, stomping my feet, even waving my arms and clapping but nothing. I usually have to end up pushing her over. Then again this was just today during the 'bath' usually she is good, she just has her moment.

I just need a few tips as I say I dont want any issues becoming huge problem habits later on.

Thanks in advance x

 

[Miss L Toe]

It is difficult to give advice by forum, but no way would I let her "think about it" for ten minutes, maybe just leave her to play with her friends until you have someone experienced to handle her for you, and you can see how it is done. A lot of your body language has to be learned.

 

[Dexter]

Mine came to me unhandled a 6 weeks ish ago. Hes now a normal member of horsey society The trick is to set your self up for success. Avoid situations you cant handle. Mine gets dragged out for a walk every now and again. He is expected to walk politely, without fuss, but I set him up to do this. A couple of times he has politely suggested he is outside his comfort zone, he has been made to walk another few strides before we turn round and go back. You dont ever want to get to the point where a baby is having an all out meltdown, BUT if they do, its really important, that in their eyes at least you "win"

Mine once gave it a really good go at cow kicking me for touching his belly. "scary lady" came out, huge body language, a loud NO! and him being made to back up. I then persisted in touching him all over. He gurned and scowled, and thats ok. Hes allowed to express himself, he is NOT allowed to EVER kick or bite a human, not ever, not even if a leg is dropping off! Hes fine now, although no doubt will try it again at some point.

I find the best way to be is very black and white. There are options, do things my way and life is lovely, fantastic, marvellous, or be a kn*b and life is hard work and unpleasant. Its soo important when they are babies, to set them up properly for the rest of their lives. Your not their best friend, life really is sometimes awful, etc, etc other horses in their herd dont hesitate to beat ten bells out of them!

 

[daisydoo]

Thanks for the pep talk Dexter, well a new day and I decided we were going for a walk and no nonsense and that's exactly what happened, she did try and nap for a second but was having none of it, a growl Get on! swish of whip and she was soon moving! Thing is I do know what to do its just I can be too soft and I know I can't be like this, I just don't want her to fear me but obviously I need her respect and a line has to he drawn. Anyway thanks and we had a very positive session, after that she was moving over and stood nicely for a brush.