Young Pony & Traffic

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strawbs

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Hi

Hope someone can help please!

We've had Timmy for 5 weeks - he's a 4 year old welsh section a, who has manners to die for and is lovely in every way. But! he had never seen traffic before coming to us. So for the past few weeks I have been standing at the crossroads at the end of village road watching the traffic go by while he eat the grass - all going well and gradually de-sensitising to traffic (still not good with huge tractors, but everything else not bad). I to decided on Wednesday to take him down our quiet village roads (probably 5 or 6 cars went past) and he was great - I was turning him towards the cars coming behind so he knew what was coming. Yesterday did the same thing and he was really good - even with the coal lorry. Today - terrible!!! Like he'd never seen a car before - spinning round etc on exactly the same little walk.

What should I do now? Take him out again later - or leave it until tomorrow or go back to standing at the crossroads (which I did after the little walk, but he was still spooking out).

All suggestions would be really gratefully received - thank you for all your experience and help!!!

Andrea
x
 
Just carry on what your doing, all of it, standing at the verge and going for walks as calmly and matter of fact as possible, don't give his responses any energy at all. They have good days and bad days, my youngster has been hacking out getting better and better then yesterday was spooky as anything and backed into the road at some purple crocus and a gateway!! Next time he will probably be a donkey again. It takes lots and lots of repetition before it sinks in for some horses. Just accept that is how it is. Sounds like you are doing a good job, keep going.
 
As above, practise, practice, practise and dont let her mood influence you. It may take time but you WILL get there :D
 
The advice you have been given is good. Just keep practicing as in the long run it will be worth it. You are doing the right thing, after a a while it will just become normal. Having a road/traffic proof horse is so invaluable so dont give up at all. Wear your hi viz etc too and some good gloves and just keep calm. If you know any of the farmers might be worth taking him on a visit to see them or any lorry owners. Most will be only too helpful. You could if you really had time tape record different noises and leave it playing loudly in his field stable area etc. Plastic bags the lot etc. crisp bag bangs etc etc. Lots of things to introduce him too. I would!

Good luck
 
Echo what the others have said about carry on. If you can I'd also get someone to bring a sensible horse too, & also if you can get friends to drive up & down past him etc.
 
Hi

Thank you all for your advice. Glad to hear that I'm doing the right thing. I know what I'll be doing tomorrow (and for the next few months)!!! :-)
 
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