Rearing and bolshy yearling

[Daffy Dilly]

Horse in question is an 18month old welsh D. She's got the bargy and confident temperament. Problem is, she's in at night and when going out to the field in the morning, and occaisionally coming in, she'll rear, and spin, and basically try to run through her owner.

Have suggested that it may be best to work on problems with pony living out, but given if they stay at this yard she will most likely be in 24/7 over winter, the problems most definately need sorting, and quickly. We appreciate she's young and energetic, it's just trying to make her energy releases safe for her owner.

I know how I would deal with said pony, but wondering how other people would.

[Sexy Sietske]

I would buy a rope halter so it puts more pressure on her poll and nose when she is farting about to discourage and use a lead with a heavy buckle and give it a good old shake around when she goes for it to break the pattern and make her think. As well as much turnout as possible and no feed (assuming she is being fed)

[sheryl]

I've had all that with my youngster, now 4.

He had been taught no manners whatsoever. Had no idea about being led. He was a nightmare!

I would buy one of those Dually halters. Always wear gloves and a hat, and always carry a stick. You also need a long rope to lead with. If thats not enough, you'll have to think about getting her bitted.

Providing she knows how to be led, and its not caused by fear or pain, I would be very firm, and let her know that you just won't tolerate it! You need to teach her to respect your personal space.

It would be helpful to start some basic groundwork skills with her, such as standing still, backing up, and moving from side to side. Encourage her to pay attention, and be quick to reward every little try. Just 5 minutes a day all helps. It is just really important to be completely consistent.

I should think that keeping her in 24/7 in winter will be a nightmare. Youngsters really need to be out as often as possible. How will her energy be spent?

[laurenefb]

I'd agree with the above. Using a pressure halter and doing lots of groundwork are two things which have really worked for me when handling naughty youngsters :)

[Daffy Dilly]

I should think that keeping her in 24/7 in winter will be a nightmare. Youngsters really need to be out as often as possible. How will her energy be spent?

I've also suggested that a move might be necessary, we do have a school on the yard which the horses are turned out in (making the surface awful for me to ride on - I'm the only one that does!) so she will be spending some time in there every day, but I don't know whether it will be enough, given her behaviour at the moment.

Have leant her owner Kelly Mark's Perfect Manners book, so hopefully she will get some ideas out of there. I haven't handled her myself (was riding this morning when she was put out) but my idea involved hat, gloves, BP and a lunge line, and something scary like a carrier bag, or water pistol if we can find one. The pony clearly has no concept of personal space, but hopefully she can learn it before somebody gets hurt.

[laceyfreckle]

The main things i have found help my 17 month old filly respect me is when i go in the field include not letting her rush up to me, in fact i quite often have a 'aggressive' stance and push her back in a 'get out of my space' way just like another horse would especially as mine likes to be 'constantly in your face' i like kisses but she is OTT. when it comes to rushing out of the stable i lead her on a loose leadrope in a normal headcollar/foal slip and if she wants to run out fine but when she reaches the end of the rope she finds her own pull on it means she jerks round and faces me and often stands there looking bemused. let her stand for a while and then go to her shoulder or get her to come to you and start again. (or in the case of going in/out of the stable get her to follow in and out of the stable until she doesn't rush. Mine has found out if you want to go somewhere quickly then its best to walk nicely. rearing just equals standing still for longer at the end of the leadrope away from me (who she really does like :)). mine like all youngsters has the patience of a gnat. I'm still learning with mine but hope it helps. also when mine is behaving she gets a rub behind her ear which reassures her. she also learnt when the farrier came that if we want something done we will do it even if she does protest (although i nearly killed myself by having rearing yearling land on me once and fall through me once.) i have a very good unphased farrier though. the main thing is to make the youngster realise that actually YOU are the boss and because your the boss you can be relied on to make sure what you want to do is best and safe.. Also no horse is ever too young for join up :)

Hope that helps.

btw my youngster is a welsh sec B - troublesome welsh...they all seem like big babies until they grow up at about 6 lol.

also i would not want to keep a youngster on 24/7 stabling. A new yard would be best even if it only offers turnout during the day and in at night.