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Post by knight on Dec 15, 2009 8:28:00 GMT
I have just bought a 2 yo gelding. I was told he was very easy to do but I have found him a little difficult. He is quite colt like in his behaviour and will often bang against you with his head. I don't want to smack him but its not on. Have any of you found a way to prevent this? He is also very strong to lead (he literally dragged me to the field on his first day) and has no respect for his leader. I have a had the be-nice on him and he is learning quickly but he will still put a sneaky shoulder in. I have taught him 'wooh' and 'stand' and he does listen but when he is standing he makes it known that he doesn't want to by pawing the ground. Is this something he will grow out of do you think? I have had babies before but I had them younger before they could develop these habits. Any tips will be greatly received.
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Post by knight on Dec 15, 2009 10:42:55 GMT
I do smack him, but I dont want to make him head shy and jumpy round me. He is already better even though I have only had him 5 days. I just want to know there is light at the tunnel!
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kayjayem
Happy to help....a lot
Posts: 10,046
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Post by kayjayem on Dec 15, 2009 14:48:10 GMT
The theory with natural horsemanship is if you can move his feet you have control of the pony and vice versa - if he is moving you, ie pushing , he is in charge. You can especially notice this when young colts are playing, they always go for the legs to try to move their opponent/playmate around. Therefore practice with him moving him backwards a few strides and moving him over from side to side then you are effectively showing him that you are the one dictating where and how you go. If he tries to charge of with you just pull him up abruptley and turn to walk in a different direction then he is having to think what you are doing and accepting leadership without having to get into arguments. Don't let him get away with anything and reward the simple things like if he does move backwards a stride or two stoke him and take the pressure off immediately, it may take a while and he won't like it if he's been the gaffer so far but young ponies can be a bit like some teenagers and will try to get the upperhand and think they know it all.
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Post by knight on Dec 15, 2009 21:07:44 GMT
Thanks Kayjayem and Overbent that really makes sense. I was late getting home tonight so Mum had to do them. Luckily he was very good and even when he spooked he didn't run her over. I'm sure I'll be back on asking more questions throughout this whole process!
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Post by gadabout on Dec 21, 2009 12:29:26 GMT
I bred a 16.2 t.b mare, who at 4 I had to sell, she was a doll in everyway, and her manners where to burn. The new owner was attacked and ran out of the field, she would not let them mount her. She was evil. It was the new home, so strange and no friends that she was used to. It took a month for her to settle and become the doll again. Be strict with your youngster Overbent is totally correct with her advice. He will settle. Good luck.
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Post by specialboy on Dec 22, 2009 20:48:11 GMT
i agree with the strict thing definatly:) i know people dont like to tell there ponies off but trust me, i knew a girl who just let her mare walk all over er (this being a 2 year old) and she grew up to be a right bugger!! x
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Post by Artistic on Dec 26, 2009 22:13:51 GMT
Great advice Overbent! If any of our babies get arsey, we put the rope round their nose and I explain to our girls about keeping the rope very soft until the youngster is rude, and then tighten. Their reward is an instant softening as soon as they are polite again. And also that the pony being led has his own space, and we have our own space. It's good manners. If they get into our space, we prod them with the end of a stick to tell them to budge over and they learn VERY quickly without a fright, but it's all about respect.
Our TB weanlings who are pretty big now, are impeccable to lead - they are like lead rein ponies and just pootle along with us at their shoulder. I'm sure the end of the tunnel is nearer than you think if you are consistent, and you will feel so proud then. Good luck!
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Post by princessstacie22 on Jan 2, 2010 22:43:32 GMT
Try a pirrelli halter he wont be able to drag you either. It puts pressure on the right places to stop him dragging etc. I swear by mine xx
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Post by knight on Jan 2, 2010 22:45:00 GMT
Thanks again for the advise...gadabout you may of hit the nail on the head. I have now had him 3 weeks and he is (touch wood) a more polite young man. I even managed to lead him and another horse together this evening, and have started to do a little lunging (though he is testing the boundaries a little). He's being chucked out for the rest of the winter the end of next week, I am keeping my fingers crossed he will remember his manners for when I drag him back in!
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Post by fox111 on Jan 4, 2010 18:50:48 GMT
if you have made progress and he has only been with you for 5 days its probly nervous tension he'l settle just be firm and ignore it if you worry it will get worse, my rising 3 yr old turned up running around her box pulling bolshy and then refused to go in her house had a total paddy threw her rattle out of her pram reared came down ontop the stable guttering and has been fine since!! dont need a controller now comes in from field in the dark in traffic loads etc etc and looks for me in the morning she's just lovely!!
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