help 4 month old filly "wild child"

Ok....that was nice of you to say, yes it's been a bit of a misunderstanding....Even though we have all expressed differences in opinions, it's clear to see that we all care very much for horses in our own way, and that's great to know~~

0o! Its like the jerry springer show on here!! as to your question, you handle her only, if she puts her ears back... ignore her... spend lots of time grooming and doing things she likes.. if she's good... make sure you praise her! You have to learn her that being around you is fun! I no it seems like.. well in the mean time while she adapts to me.. im still going to have to put up with her off-ish-ness but hey! Your still doing it. Make sure the time she spends with you is better than out in the feild... you need to learn her that 'your' her mommy, not the mare in the feild good luck!

You first must understand that your filly is very young, other words, she is still baby and babies aren't supposed to be treated the same way that old horses are. It's very bad expirience for her that she has passed such bad thing. What they learn in their first days it's very important for whole their life. You see what I mean.... So why don't you try to let her to come over to you somewhere in pasture or paddock or box? She will anyhow get some of confidence, but It's a long process. You must work with her every day and you must give her some time. Let her to approach you and then step by step prove to her that you aren't so bad, but remember, don't force her. If you see that she don' wanna you around or she isn't comfortable, quit with what you are doing, and try again a little bit after. Tell us how is it going......

With ignorance you will put your self in a dangerous position, rather look to her what she is tellin' you.

That last post is exactly what I have been doing for the past two months and we are getting right along. I think at first first of all she didn't know me there for didn't trust me and she had only seen a human right at birth then never there after until she came here. And with me messing with her right away and every day she was getting worse and worse so I talked to many people and it was about half and half. Half said sure back off of her since what you are doing is not working and the other half said no that is giving her what she wants and you can't let her win. Well I backed off and it took a few weeks for her to make the first move. But she is sooo much better. She doesn't totally trust me. I can't just walk up to her and pet her but she smalls me a lot and nibbles a little and has alowed me to touch her a few times but only for a second or two. I am sooo glad she is getting better!! I'll keep you all informed!!

Brandig,

Congats It takes time, there truely is no need to rush. I am so happy you went with a calm, easy and suttle approach. I believe if you were forceful that the incident would have been traumatic and displeasing for you both - setting you 12 steps back. I think what you chose to do was very wise.

I am disappointed in some of the responses, really. One response being cruel and completely off the wall to the point of having to delete it - another response being completely boastful and a "I know what's right" approach. My only advice is to ask and listen. Gather as many opinions as possible about any situation you have and filter out those that you are uneasy about. Listen to gut instinct at times. Ignore those who are closed minded to other's opinions and focus only on their own. How can one learn and improve if they do not take in outside knowledge? Those who are arrogant, do not admit to their mistakes or are afraid to ask a question are the ones I am very weary of.

I know much of this isn't directed towards you, brandig (the disappointing responses)- and I'm sorry! It seemed to take up less space on the board this way. Anyway, this was not a direct insult to any of you. I did not want to point fingers at anyone - honest. But I felt that I did need to address this somehow.

Hey!

I couldn't read through this post too thoroughly, as I think some of it was a battle of opinions, but I saw a few good points being made. My two cents, is Always End On A Good Note. Furthermore, Set goals, every time your goal is reached, end your training session.

Some of your training sessions will be as simple as clipping a lead rope on her halter. This could take as long as hours, or as short as 5 minutes. Once your goal is attained, gently, GENTLY praise her. A soft hand on her neck, and a soft voice reassuring her as you unclip the lead. Slowly back out of the stall, careful not to startle her, then close the door. She will begin to learn "Hey, this ain't so bad!" and you can start expanding your goals, this time incorporating clipping the halter and leading her around her stall.

Always leave her wanting more. If she learns that turning her butt to you will get you to leave her alone, she will -ALWAYS- do it. Let her know your boss! =)

I trained a completely feral 9 year old Walking Horse mare this way. Her owner couldnt believe it. I had her from feral, to willingly and unaided being loaded into a horse trailer.

Stay patient, and don't show fear! Be bold hun!

Good luck! Keep us posted!

We have a yearling Arabian...she used to cattle kick us and run over us. We started showing her that her actions weren't appreciated and took back being the bosses...her attitude then changed. She is a sweety...still very protective of us to other horses...but would never hurt us. At least I hope so.

Respect and trust in a round pen, work , and work, and more work you will be surprised how soon your baby wants to come up to you, and when she does, work some more....go slow it take time...soon you will be able to walk right up to her and touch her all over....stick and a string are a great training method aswell, as soon as you can touch ...rub with stick....all over...repeat and repeat and repeat...

Training little ones is a process, you can do it alone, you don't need 3 people...but you do need a smaller area, round being the best.

Everyone is a trainer, lol ....there is no one out there , who is perfect and knows everything, all horses, have their own issues, work them on one on one basis.

You don't need to pay anyone, to come in and do it, unless you are truly uncomfortable with your baby... Im doing a 14month now, and she is coming along super nice..

Everyone has their own way of training, I like to do my one, I want then use to me, the way I want them. She will be my 2nd one, my first, living until she was 32....

Good luck, and just be patient...dont spoil, don't starve, don't trick, just be a human in charge, she will come around I promise...:)

Forgot to add, she is only 4 months, did they pull her from mama early? And also if she pins her ears and gives you her butt.....we run....and run, in a pen....until she gives you her eyes, then let stand and soak it in...dont ever let her be disrespectful, and give you her butt or pin ears.....she is not the boss..:)

Doesn't sound to me like she is doing anything other than being a 4 month old filly. Gain control of her feet and life is sweet.

How you do that is real important. Do it right and she will have a good foundation that can be built on when she is older. Do it wrong and get the jack hammers out cause someone will have to bust out the bad foundation and build another. Costs lots of extra time and usually money.

Two choices;

1. Hire someone who can help you do it right.

2. Get Clinton's dvds on starting a youngin. Theres more risk doing it this way but if you listen and learn you can do it.

Doesn't mean that I agree with everything Clinton does but he has spent the time and effort in putting a package together that covers most of the bases for sure.