Walking the trail!!

[Gracie]

Hi guys!!
Once again I need your help on how to train my soon to be two year old filly!
The owner of my barn built a small race track in the back field (to me it looks more like a trail!LOL) any how I thought it would be a great learning expirence to take Gracie out to the back feild and walk her by foot around the field! But I'am worried she may freak out! What can I do to stay calm if something like that should happen out in the middle of no where? Any tips on what to expect? It will be her first time far from home(well semi far from home!)
Thanks for any tips!!

[floppy]

can you get someone to go with you on the first time at least? i mean if you take an older horse with you that is sensible it will encourage gracie to be more brave. just both of you leading your horses. then that way if something happens your not alone! doe syou hrose have a field buddy or a a horse that she doesnt mind being aorund??

[Outrider]

Leading her by hand really shouldn't be a problem. First, wear gloves and hold one hand on the shank near the halter and one holding the rest of the rope. Constantly talk to her. I'll wager you might be more afraid of what MIGHT happen than she will be of what WILL happen. If you start out nervous, she will be. Stay calm and constantly talk to her. Take it slow, and if something comes into her view that she starts to shy from, keep talking in soothing, low tones, holding the lead rope firmly and let her get used to whatever it is. Don't look at it, look at her.

Another technique is to pony her while riding another calm horse. That is, you on horseback while leading her with a halter. Sometimes this helps skittish horses see that things don't bother other horses. Good luck and let us know how it turns out. Happy Trails!

[Gracie]

Thanks guys! I will try to find someone to come out on the trail with me so I can introduce her to the back field!
OUTRIDER: Thanks again for your out going GREAT advice!
You guys ROCK!!

[horse_chestnut]

Sounds really stupid - but sing!!! I find its the only thing that keeps me quite relaxed - and as the others say, its important you at least try to stay calm. so even if ** the most out of tune person, then sing girl sing! lol. good luck!!!! :D

[Gracie]

Funny you guys say that when ever I'am REALLY nervous I sing too... or talk to my horse, I was famous in my barn for talking in the show ring, not loudly but my lips were always moving! It's a way to block out all the fear and zero in on one thing. One time I was so deep in contreation trying to get my stubborn pony (A different horse) over a jump that I didn't even hear the judge kick me out of the ring for three refuses!! haha!! The old days!! Thanks guys!

[clip-clop-oops-crash]

i used 2 ride a horse that was very nervous about jumping, though once he built up the courage 2 do it he was a brilliant jumper, and the only thing 2 make him more confident over his jumps was 2 sing the dambusters tune!! we got so famous 4 flying (sorry pun!) round the ring with me wailing away that the spectators+ other competitors started 2 join in!lol hes retired now but i still sometimes ride him in little classes at shows + were always greeted by every1 singing, the minute he heres that tune his ears are pricked + hes off! :) hes now much more confident in himself+positively soaks up the attention at shows!

[Gracie]

Pearl Jam has a song called "Wild Horses!"
It isn't excally about horses but it relates to them and uses them like a metaphore <--- I need to use a dictionary!Lol!

NEWS FLASH
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Me and Gracie made it through the back trail/race track thingie! I got one of the strong male riders at my barn to come out and walk her! And he DID REALLY good with her! She didn't run, rear or even SHY once! I was so proud of her! Next time I think I'll bring her out!! Yahoo GRACIE!!LOL
Oh ya by the way it's gracie's birthday today!! YAH HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRACIE!!LOL!!!
Thanks guys for all your support!! ;)

[JackiAH]

LOL @ singing to horses!!!!!! When ever I'm nervous, or am grooming Pal with no one to talk to, I sing to him.... It's really quite pitiful! I found he really likes "Leaving on a Jet Plane" and I was singing that song the day I passed the test to get into college :)

I remember someone on here saying that they had a voice only animals' could love, and that pretty much describes moi too!

About Gracie, That's GREAT!! Give her an extra carrot for her birthday from me, will you?

[Gracie]

Okay jacki! I'll give her an extra carrot.. and maybe sing her the song Leaving on a jet plane...lol just teasing!!
Thanks again guys for all your replies! :)