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Post by yobswithcobs on Aug 8, 2012 12:47:37 GMT
Ive had horses for a number of years, but i recently got my first youngster who also happens to be a colt. He is a year old and had been virtually unhandled. He was scared of being patted, never really been groomed etc. However in the two weeks or so of having him hes come on leaps and bounds in confidence.
He is now, however, constantly trying to chew everything. Is this something which should be nipped in the bud or is it a passing phase?
Along with this chewing of doors he keeps going to chew hands. Not bite, but chew. I want to give him a slap incase this turns to nipping but am scared incase he reverts to being scared of us again. The only reason i worry so much about this is because hes a colt and dont want him to think he cant dominate.
So basically, if anyone has ANY tips at all for handling colts it would be very much appreciated! Sorry for the essay haha!
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Post by carrie17491 on Aug 8, 2012 12:52:25 GMT
mine is going through the same phase, been throguh all his haynets! We put up old stirrup leathers in his stable for him to chew on, he's chewing EVERYTHING, give him a treat ball and lots of toys, maybe an old welly to throw about  If he nips you, pinch his nose/mouth and this will teach him if he nips he gets one back |
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Post by elmere on Aug 8, 2012 12:59:33 GMT
If they're trying to suck and nibble I just try to prevent it from happening by not giving them to opportunity to do it rather than letting them and constantly telling them off however if they manage to nip they get a smack and I raise my voice.
Best way to stop them playing with you is to have them out with a friend as much as possible.
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Post by Kaseyleigh on Aug 8, 2012 17:30:30 GMT
He's just being a baby they always have a play with things in there mouths get him a salt lick if he does nip then give him a telling off but he just sounds like he's very babyish just remember he is a colt so always make sure he knows who is boss.
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Post by catherine1974 on Aug 8, 2012 21:53:51 GMT
Mine have hung swedes, space hoppers from ebay at £4 each which they love to throw around and jolly balls and treat balls, it keps them entertained whilst learning to feel with their mouths, lips and teeth...
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Post by cazcox on Aug 8, 2012 22:20:48 GMT
He is probably teething. Our 3 year old colt the other day was chewing on his lead rope and one of his back teeth fell out! bless him. if you look in his mouth you may see front teeth only that he has one missing or loose and this is the reason for him chewing. Toys are a good idea as is being out with another pony. Don't start smacking him as you will end up with a head shy colt. Biting or nipping is another thing altogether.
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Post by gillwales on Aug 9, 2012 7:17:40 GMT
I used to give my boys a plastic watering can hung up, 1.99... lots of opportunities! I also used swedes. Teach him the word "no" once he understands that it will cover many things. If you don't intend to use him for breeding then please get him gelded, you and he will have a much better life together.
have fun!
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Post by klouisem on Aug 9, 2012 7:56:00 GMT
My welsh C yearling colt doesn't chew but when it comes to toys he LOVES his feed bowl!!!! Picking it up and galloping around the field like a bad man is SO much fun! When it comes to chewing my welsh A y'ling colt used to chew through lead ropes with his old owners so we tied him up wearing a muzzle, he doesn't chew ropes any more, haha. I agree though if he starts to nip you will have to tell him off as it will get worse otherwise. He sounds lovely and it's nice he trusts you but my old 4yr old NF pony was like this (but gelding) he got my trust but he was naughty sometimes and needed a little telling off and he didn't go back to his old ways as he trusted me and knew he was only getting a smack because he was naughty! This my pony playing with his bowl!  He plays with hats too :-)  |
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Post by melly91 on Aug 9, 2012 9:13:22 GMT
My yealing was scared of being patted when he came but like youra has come on leaps and bounds. have a read of my post futther down in this section people have given me some fab tips. I bought mine a space hopper as menyioned above as hes teething which seems to help sooth
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Post by carrie17491 on Aug 10, 2012 7:44:01 GMT
My welsh C yearling colt doesn't chew but when it comes to toys he LOVES his feed bowl!!!! Picking it up and galloping around the field like a bad man is SO much fun! When it comes to chewing my welsh A y'ling colt used to chew through lead ropes with his old owners so we tied him up wearing a muzzle, he doesn't chew ropes any more, haha. I agree though if he starts to nip you will have to tell him off as it will get worse otherwise. He sounds lovely and it's nice he trusts you but my old 4yr old NF pony was like this (but gelding) he got my trust but he was naughty sometimes and needed a little telling off and he didn't go back to his old ways as he trusted me and knew he was only getting a smack because he was naughty! This my pony playing with his bowl! He plays with hats too :-) My colt does this! every single bucket he has he pulls the handles off and when he's eaten and bored of playing, he throws it out of the stable haha! they are funny little things, he does occasionally nip but I think it's because I play with him and that is what colts do when they play but I just nip hom on his nose - as they would when playing. He is never ever nasty with it and if he ever was, i would take a totally different approach. |
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Post by klouisem on Aug 10, 2012 8:57:50 GMT
Yup Benny has destroyed 2 buckets so far, a red version of this one and a black rubber one! He found a cone too which he's destroyed! He does sometimes cover his eyes when he runs with it at full gallop to the fence but always stops! They are very funny!
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sarahp
Happy to help
Posts: 9,510
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Post by sarahp on Aug 10, 2012 17:06:25 GMT
I wouldn't recommend playing with colts - or any youngsters come to that. They will be bigger than you when grown up! You need to remain their "herd leader" and have their respect, trust and obedience, if you play with them they will think you are their equal and you will have none of those.
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