New Horse, any tips on gaining its trust?

I understand what you're saying, everytime I go inside her pen I always try to approach her from the side, but when I do she actually turns to face me from the front. And my mom keeps saying that I should do all this while feeding her hay, but I honestly think it would be a better idea not to.

She REALLY won't let me ANYWHERE near her at ALL. I'd LOVE to brush her and show her the lead rope and everything but.. *rubs head* she hates me T_T XD; We've had her for... I think almost a week now? I know, I SHOULD be more patient, but I'd really like to brush her and bathe her to maybe make it so she has less flies and to heal her skin, she has all sorts of cuts and marks, we don't know whether it's mud or acutal injuries. Also, part of her mane is cut off o_O could the colt she was with before she was here have done that? It doesn't seem to be growing back.

Also, she wont take treats besides grain. She refuses to try anything new, should we just buy some grain and use that for treats? She won't even lick her mineral block or salt lick!

I strongly suggest getting a trainer for hre and you. since this is your first horse that would be the best solution, the people on this wwebsite can only help you so much. And none of use want you to get hurt.

Do you have any experience handling horses like riding lessons. or just handling other peoples horses?

I definately suggest a trainer even if you send her out to get trained. I know you probably want for her to be your prpject horse but if you are going to get hurt it isnt worth it.

I never suggest sending a horse to the trainer but it seams like a nessacary situation. i dont like the idea of sending a horse "away" to get trained but some times it is a Nessicary eveil.

I know what you mean, but we really can't afford the trainer situation right now. I might be able to raise some money but it would take a while. We know a few people who are used to training horses and there's this one woman who owns a lot of horses who wants to ride on our property, we were thinking that maybe if we let her ride on our property she would help us train our horse.

And actually yes, I do have a little experience with horses, I've ridden my uncle's horse before and I took care of it for a week - of course this is most definitely not adequate, I should most definitely have more experience. My mom and dad have had a lot of experience with horses themselves, my mom used to live on a ranch and my dad's sister owned a lot of horses and took care of them, so they can actually help a little, but so far it seems they're gonna have me do this all on my own - keep in mind I'm only seventeen *sweatdrop*

And everyone has been talking about the safety issue, but honestly, she isn't aggressive at all. She hasn't once yet tried to bite or kick me, even when we first got her to the house she was very good. She just moves away when I try to touch her, that's all.

I agree, I don't like the idea either, and honestly we don't have the money ._.U that's why I'm asking for some tips. We are going to try and get that woman though, as I said above.

She won't <--- I say this with caution try to bite/kick you untill she gets used to you...then she will try to play. at least the yearlings that I have been around usually do.

I know where there is a 2yo rag tag of an underdeveloped horse right now that you would swear is only 1. *sigh* sad really.

Start with the vet.

Then just being around her and using her curious nature you should slowly begin to be able to touch her. Do it in a quick (not jerky or sudden) motion. She will already be touched by the time she figures out what happened. Slowly but surely she will come around.

Its usually free to ask trainers questions. Sometimes they will just come by out of curiosity. Good luck!

She acts like all she wants to do is eat, I feed her a lot but I'm not entirely sure if I'm supposed to be feeding her more or not - she never really stops eating no matter how many flakes of hay I give her, all she's ever interested in is food, so when I don't have it, she doesn't want to deal with me.

When i say she won't i mean that she backs away when I try to touch her. I don't want to walk her into the corner just to touch her! So when she pulls back I do too - slowly - because I don't want to back her into the corner, I know that will only create problems.

Right now the only way I'm able to touch her is, while I'm holding her hay, she'll reach for it, then while she's reaching I carefully pet her, but as soon as she gets a mouthful of hay she jerks away. And if I try to go after her to pet her more, she jerks away more.

I just went down there to feed her, while I was feeding her I put on her lead and tried to lead her out of her pen but she wouldn't even go THAT far. She immediately pulled back. It took a minute to take the lead back off too. *rubs forehead* i know I'm in over my head but I really feel I need to do this. Should I just be patient and keep feeding her everyday instead of trying to get her to let me pet her?

Also, I think I may be allergic to the alfalfa and other hay ._.U EVERY time I go down there and feed her, the backs of my hands burn. They're very dried out and there's a few sores here or there, does hay just dry out skin, or is it because I may be allergic?

Another thing, we're about to make her pasture much bigger, do you think I should go down there and sit with a book or with some artwork and just sit there, make her curious? And get her used to me? Because I can, just not in the afternoon...

Thanks beforehand for answers Dx

Aw cmon i still really need help here guys ._.U

I think it's time to get some help face to face. Isn't there anyone you know who knows anything about horses?

Um.. sort of. I've been asking a lot of friends for anyone they know and I according to my parents my dad has a sister who used to take care of them and my grandmother on my mom's side has a friend who may give horse riding lessons - or she may just have horses - but for whatever reason we can't get a hold of either of them... my friend just referred me to someone who has four horses that may be able to help so...

umm..maybe try carrying bits of carrot with you while you try to walk her, and persuade her with the carrot to move forward