Yearlings

[crazy horse]

Hello everybody.
I decided I don't want to do anything with the 3 year old.She doesn't have any manners,and I don't think I can teach her any.

So my new friend is a 2 year old gelding.I'll tell you what I'm doing with him,and please tell me what you would do with him.It's getting kind of boring,I need new ideas.

I'm teaching him to lead,specifically the command "walk on" and "whoa".Right now,whenever I stop he will too.

He will stand beside you for quite a while.(not like the 3 year old)

I don't know if it's understandable,but I'm teaching him to "give to preassure".And he's starting to get it.(I'll just pull a little bit downwards,and he'll immydiately put his head down.

He picks up his front feet,I haven't tried the back feet yet.I know there won't be any problem,because I brush,and pet,and touch his back legs:and he doesn't seem to mind.

We walk over logs.No problem what so ever.

Right now the only problem I'm having(not really a problem)is,he stands too close to me.I'll push him away,the next time he doesn't do it.

So everybody please tell me new ideas what to do with him.He's a very bright little horse,I don't want him to get bored.
Thanks in advance.

[myEllie]

I'm sorry, did I miss something. I thought you were going to talk about a yearling.

[crazy horse]

Isn't he a yearling?He's going to be 2 in May or April.

[myEllie]

If he is a purebred, then technically he is two years old, and no longer a yearling. In most breed societies, the official birthday is designated as January 1st. That way, horses don't start the year in one age division and then have to move up half way through the year.

It sounds like you are doing a good job with him.

[squid_is_ace]

good work keep it up

[THEO]

I have an eighteen month gelding and what I do with him is rub him all over with a towell and put it over his back and then take it off then throw it over again also try scrunching up a carrier bag and rub it all over him so that he gets used to noisy things next to his body. I have also got mine used to having a saddle on his back and having a girth around him he doesnt mind at all. Hope I have been of some help.

[crazy horse]

No,he isn't a purebred.But I can see your point.

I thought I would put the saddle blanket on him,but maybe I will try the saddle too.I'll see how it goes.

Another thing I thought of,is standing on something beside him.So he get's used to people above him.

What do you think?

[THEO]

Good idea what about leaning on his back I dont mean letting him take your weight obviously just with your arms over him also have you made him walk over a tarpaulin or a plastic sheet thats good also. I also class mine as a yearling he is Dalesx shire.

[crazy horse]

Great minds think alike,Theo!:D

I put my hands over his back,and stroke,and pet,etc.He doesn't mind.When I see that he's not bothered at all,then I sort of lean over his back(not with my weight,just to let him know that I'm there.)He doesn't mind,first he just looks at me funny,than he's not really bothered at all.(He must think that I'm nut's):)

[Wally]

It's great that your getting him well mannered and used to being handled, but don't forget he's just a baby, don't do more than half an hour at a time at most with him, take him for walks, but keep it lightsome. Schooling sessions for babies must be short, sweet and kind.

[crazy horse]

I only play with him for about 20-25 minutes.If I wait longer,then he will get agitated.
He's scruffy looking now,and I want him to be beautiful in the spring.How can I make him look better?
Plus he has a hay belly.How do I make him be more fit?
Thanks.

[THEO]

Hi its me again dont worry about a hay belly he doesnt really need that much muscle it will come this year and over the next couple of years walking him out will help but dont bore him with it. You think yours is a mess you should see mine covered in mud and ever so scruffy looking but he was like this last year but when he shedded his winter coat there summer ones look lovely. I also got over another hurdle with mine today he let me rub all over his (sorry for this) willy and around and he just stood there looking at me so at least I know I wont get kicked if I need to clean it etc. Yuck Yuck :( Anyway keep doing your best PM me if you want Theo :)