youngsters on the road eeeeekkkk!!!!!

[Yorkshire dumpling]

i have just started getting my filly used to traffic... i have taken her closer and closer to the gate each time and then let her eat the grass or a feed while we stand there, and have now gotten to the point where i can groom her right next to the road while traffic is going past
so this morning (after 2 months of getting her used to it) i decided to take her on the road for 2-3 mins up to a turn and back .... didnt go to well.

as soon as we left the gate she dug her feet in and refused to move, so i refused to let her take a step back and did everything to get her to walk zigzag forwards. eventually she walked forwards and got onto the road. she was fine (for about 3 seconds) then decided she didnt want to do anymore and tried to barge me out of her way and run back to the field. she didnt get away and i managed to calm her down enough to walk a few more steps forward before I decided to turn around.
as soon as we turned around she reared up and did a type of cat jump/leap forward and bit my arm! luckily no cars have driven past yet so i stand her still and give her a firm look. then walk quietly back to the field.

OMG my heart was in my mouth by then and my stomach was falling out my ar** to calm her down i did some exercises and commands with her in the field, and she was as good as gold like normal.

next time i plan to be better prepared when i take her on the road, so does anyone have any ideas?

i know she was probably just excited and nervous but she cant keep doing that.
bringing another horse with us is not possible so i am going to have to keep doing it alone with her (with my friend)

tips and advice welcome xx

 

[PonyFeet10]

Oh dear, so she wasn't showing signs of fear from the traffic (as there wasn't any) just being a little maddam!!

I would take her out in a bridle with you on one side and your friend on the other both holding her by lunge lines or extra long leadropes.. Also don't forget hi-vis with signs on back (please pass wide and slow etc..). Might also be worth taking a schooling whip with you to give her a tickle on her side to get her moving forwards (and invade you need it anyway!)

 

[peerielee]

I agree with ponyfeet. Use a bridle. Can you have a friend take another horse out at the same time so you have company? I did that with my youngster, now he is reasonable happy to walk out by himself. Take her out every few days youll see a difference in no time

 

[Louby]

Awww, bless her, sounds like she may have been scared, prob not of traffic but leaving the yard.
When I first took my boy on the road, I went with his 'nanny', another horse to give him confidence. I stood on the outside, keeping him next to the kerb and carried a long schooling whip to help me control his quarters in case he decided to swing into the traffic.
I then progressed to us alone but with a helper walking behind to slow traffic, just incase we had a problem. Then I rode with the nanny boxing us in, then rode with helper behind.
I went often and the least busy roads I could at first.

Good luck.

 

[stencilface]

Why isn't bringing another horse along possible? Are there no more horses at your stables?

We lead out our youngster (19 months) with our old TB, both being led. We have had no problems so far, well apart from him trying to bite as we go downhill!

That would be your easiest solution by far I think. Other than that, have a helper walk in front of you?

 

[abbieandfiona]

When i take my youngster out on the roads i have always done so in a bridle and when i first starting taking her out took along my older mare to nanny her and never had a issue from day one of trying. Is there not another horse who you could get to lead in front to help reassure your youngster?

 

[Yorkshire dumpling]

Why isn't bringing another horse along possible? Are there no more horses at your stables?

We lead out our youngster (19 months) with our old TB, both being led. We have had no problems so far, well apart from him trying to bite as we go downhill!

That would be your easiest solution by far I think. Other than that, have a helper walk in front of you?

there are 4 youngsters on yard and 1 mature horse (about 13yrs old) but he is very spooky on the road. the best one road wise is one of the youngsters but he is 2 and is afraid of trees ! cars no problem but walk past a tree and...

 

[Yorkshire dumpling]

she is in a bridle and i have her on a lunge line my friend walks on the curb a little behind us, filly walks in the middle and i walk on the outside. as before not possible to take another horse as none are suitable. i have a friend moving to the yard in june (fingers crossed) but that is 5 months away. he horse is perfect. she isnt in hacking distance though (about 20 miles away at the mo). otherwise i would ask her to hack down and help for 10 mins, so im stuck in that way. hi viz is always on (she wears hi viz exercise sheet and leg wraps too.)
just dont know if she is just trying it on because she feels uncomfortable on the road, or because shes being stubborn and would rather be eating hay in the field. she is in her own paddock so is not being separated from her play mates.

if her bum comes out i dont panic and force her to go back in, i get my friend to walk in the middle of the road to look for traffic while i get her to settle. sundays are normally very very quiet (thank god) and i think normally about 3 cars drive past me on the way down to feed her. and none drove past while out with her.

 

[hackinharry]

I always take the youngsters out with a steady safe companion, they walk alongside at first - always in a bridle, then they progress to walking in front, as I believe it is very important to get them striding out happily not hiding behind, but the sensible horse is there for backup if needed, as their education continues, we split up on the way home and then we graduate to going it alone.