sarahp
Happy to help
Posts: 9,510
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Post by sarahp on Jan 2, 2013 7:47:07 GMT
I used to just walk round following them until they give in and submit to being caught, an early version on Monty Roberts I think long before he was heard of over here! It does work, but be warned, only embark on it when you have lots of time, especially if the pony has learned not to be caught, I think my record was 4 1/2 hours! But it only needs a couple of times of doing this and they know they won't get away with it. I have read but never tried, a method by which you turn out with a long (and I mean long!) length of light chain, not rope which would be dangerous, hanging from their headcoller, then stand on the end of the chain when you want to catch them.
I do exclude those not properly handled in the first place - I have bought in my time two teenage broodmares (both from Wales) who you can't get near in the field in any circumstances as they are far too nervous of people, so I do drive them in for essential feet trimming etc. One is fine when in a box, the other isn't, always a struggle but improving for me. Oddly enough the latter allows me nearer into her space in a field than the former.
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Post by 09rebel99 on Jan 2, 2013 8:00:43 GMT
Can you get near her? I use to have a pony that wouldn't let you put its headcollar on first. If you tried to put the headcollar on he just ran off yet if you threw a rope over his neck then put the headcollar on he was fine and you had to do everything from the side of him. He was very quirky but it ended up that when I shouted him he ran over :-) When I first got him though I use to follow him, even shoo him away from the others and don't let him eat. Keep your head down and body very submissive when going in to get her.
Good luck.
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Post by catkin on Jan 4, 2013 17:32:42 GMT
We have this problem when trying to catch some of the more timid herd members. They are nervous of the older/bossier ones and won't come near you if the others get there first!. And of course, the bolder v tame ones are extremely keen to see you! It usually works if two of us go, one distracts the others and then we can catch the more nervous. I think you have to try various methods depending on your circumstances and the particular pony involved. One of my sisters recently admitted to me that when trying to catch one of my more reticent mares she simply goes into the field and shouts at her if she won't be caught. She advises that said pony stands stock still and waits for her!!
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Post by lowerstone on Jan 4, 2013 18:21:32 GMT
Mmm... Love it when we get sent mares to cover and the owner says(normally as they are getting back in there lorry) "she can be abit difficult to catch"
Thankfully we have several small paddocks!
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sarahp
Happy to help
Posts: 9,510
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Post by sarahp on Jan 4, 2013 18:24:12 GMT
I never feed the ponies by hand ever, and don't bucket feed in the field either, so mine don't tend to mob me thank goodness, which makes it easier to get the one I want. And they mostly know that as I'm herd boss, anything I have caught comes under my protection and I won't have it bullied. It does sometimes take a bit of glowering and telling off though!
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Post by junetimp on Jan 4, 2013 20:00:12 GMT
I never feed the ponies by hand ever, and don't bucket feed in the field either, so mine don't tend to mob me thank goodness, which makes it easier to get the one I want. And they mostly know that as I'm herd boss, anything I have caught comes under my protection and I won't have it bullied. It does sometimes take a bit of glowering and telling off though! That makes good sense I would love to have that power and control over my lot. I say it but I am not sure they believe it ! One of them always pushes their luck to test me ! |
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