two year olds!

[lisae]

We have a Haflinger gelding who will be two in May. He is a basically a gentle pony but his sense of humor is starting to put me off! He leads, picks up his feet, clips, knows all his voice commands and can generally be moved around pasture and barn (confined areas) without resorting to a halter.

Here are the two issues I have with him: when being lead out and about with his halter and lead, he will do fine when asked to walk or trot, but his 'whoa' takes him about two or three steps to stop. Standing is not great, he tends to nose you or sidestep or want to keep going. Then, at some point in the 10 -15 minutes we are out working, he will "erupt", could be running off, or bucking, (he hasn't come into my space when doing this, although the first time he tried this I was off balance in mud and got pulled over, then released him to avoid skiing). This "freakout" only lasts two-three seconds and he'll stop when you say "WHOA". Then he stands there with his head way up, leaning back and rolling his eyes as though there's going to be terrible punishment. I don't do anything at this point other than talk calmly, and keep on with the leading. I keep working until we've had a run of successful stops, starts and turns.

He only does this once per session! But because of this behavior, I don't trust him around my kids. Any ideas on how to make his leading consistently safe?

The second behavior, is that he is the mouthiest pony ever! Over the gate, the first thing you get is the prehensile lip checking you out like an elephant, then he'll move into picking at your clothes with lips and teeth, then he'll push you with his nose and it's a hard push! My husband snaps him with a flicking finger and Dante doesn't mess with him as badly. If I try that, boy thinks it's a game. I've tried getting him in a headlock and rubbing his face and jaw and lips vigorously, he seems to stand still and enjoy that- up to a point then he pulls his head back and looks away. I always praise him when he does. Or, I tell him "back" and put a finger into his chest; he will move back and desist, but next time or very soon thereafter even, he's back at the "game". I'd like to have a pony that little ones can pet without the risk of being knocked over, slobbered on or who knows what is next. (I note that he has never bitten skin or flesh, just the jacket, but still, this is too much!)

Any input would be much appreciated, when spring gets here I want to work more with him and start him doing some ground-driving with a bitless bridle. Sounds like the leading has to get fixed first!

[Janice Corbett]

My oh my Lisae - he sounds just like my chap, who will be two on June 1st! He does exactly the same things! Sorry I don't have the answers - just continue to work with him, introducing new things all the while to keep his interest. Personally I would never trust such a young horse with 'little people' - at 2 horses are still like 6 month old puppies!
Jx

[lisae]

My sons will be ten in March and they stick to working with me and our Haffie mare who is older and a solid citizen. There are a lot of nieces and nephews of all ages, though, who come over to visit and like to pet the horses over the stall gate. I keep them a step or two back from Dante to be safe, I'm just wondering how long until he's not so mouthy. His basic nature is quite gentle, so he should settle down eventually.

[Mehitabel]

i think you're doing the right things with him, and i think sense of humour is the right way of putting it. he doesn't sound nasty, just young and enthusiastic, but at the same time, that won't stop him hurting you accidentally! does he give you any warning before he erupts? if there is any, like a flicking ear, or a deep breath or something, take that opportunity to say "no" or "don't" or something like that, perhaps with a little tug on the rope and take his mind off it before it happens. babies do like to push your limits, don't they!
with the mouthiness, if he doesn't respect you flicking him, try a little pinch on the edge of the lip, and do get cross when he shoves you. perhaps give him a few minutes when he can play with you, and then say "no more". you need to be more persistent saying no than he is!
it seems like he's pushing his limits with you, and (as i know to my cost!) if you don't come down on the little things, the big things come back and get you!

[intouch]

Have you read Dancing with Horses? It could help with the problems you are experiencing, certainly helped with my baby.

[Mossy]

I was just thinking that Dancing with horses seemed to fit the bill

[lisae]

No, I haven't seen the book. I'll look into it. In answer to Es, about does he give a warning, when I thought about it I realized the misbehavior usually occurs when things have been going well and I decide to look ahead and lead, instead of keeping an eagle eye on him!

[Lancashire Lass]

I can relate to most of what you're going through at present.!!

One of the boys will be 2 in early April (and already standing at 16.2hh!), and his antics, especially relating to the nibbly, nosey bits are very much of the same.

The way I've found that works is to let him have his 'play time' with you (after all he is a baby) and then after a few minutes, let him know that 'play time has now ended'. I tend to do this by standing quite squarely infront of him, giving his head and just under his forelock and rub and saying to him "right, that's your lot" and praising him when he desists. If he does come back for more, I'm quite firm with my stance and hold the top of his nose/muzzle in my hand to block him if you like and tell him "NO, ENOUGH". It works for me, don't know if it will for you!

'Firm but Fair' is what I tend to go by, especially with youngsters that must be taught where there boundaries are and the sooner the better! They are far to big and strong to get the better of us and we need to find the way to communicate with them and to get that mutual respect that both you and Dante deserve from one another.

Hope my waffling helps a little!:)