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Training Issues! Am I failing My little mare! PLEASE HELP!

2K views 7 replies 8 participants last post by  loosie 
#1 ·
Hi, I have a 3 year old Miniature Shetland called Indi, I have had her for about 2 months now, she had not been backed, but I think, had done some flat work before we got her, She is my first breaking project, and am a little stuck, She WILL NOT do a thing i ask her to!

I have tried lunge reining her on several occasions, and all she does is stand facing me and refusing to move! I have tried so many things and she just wont do anything! Today she wouldnt even walk on the lead rein with me!

I have lunged before, but it was on a retired mare, and was quite some years ago, I am trying to break this mare for my 4 year old to ride, but at this rate, my daughter will have outgrown her before the mare is ready!

What can i do to get my very stubborn mare moving on the ground?

What am i doing wrong?

Apart from this issue she seems a normal pony, and while out walking on the roads is quite polite and forward going! I have even tried working her in different fields but no nothing! My friend has lunged her and got her moving lovely, so i am thinking it is just me she wont work for, which makes me think that i am doing something wrong! I am lunging how i was taught to, as far as i can remember!

I am so frustrated, its making me mad that i am or could be failing his lovely little mare in some way!

PLEASE! Someone help me!

Thanks
 
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#2 ·
Horses aren't born broke.

You have to train them to do stuff. You can't just expect them to know it. This pony doesn't know HOW to lunge. It takes weeks of training to get them to do it Correctly.

you need to find help from someone experienced or sell this pony and find something already trained. Your in way over your head don't know what your doing, and training tips from the internet aren't going to help. Your too inexperienced and don't know what your looking for from the horse.

I don't mean to tick you off, I'm being blunt, but very honest.

you'll ruin this pony at the rate your going and your daughter will have to deal with the consequences.
i
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#5 ·
Can your friend not help teach you how to lunge her? It sounds as if you need a trainer on the ground with you. When working with youngsters, it is absolutely critical that you're clear with your cues and that your timing with pressure and then release be spot on, or they get confused. I don't think anyone on the internet can be of much help since we can't actually see how you are interacting with the horse and provide on-the-spot guidance.
 
#6 ·
What you have here is recipe for disaster. Green horse + green rider = black & blue. Your daughters first pony/horse should build her confidence and teach her to ride. A three year old un-broke pony is only going to get her hurt. You need to sell it and find a pony/horse that is an older been there done that type. Adults cannot ride a pony to train it, and if you don't know what your doing there is no possible way your going to get it broke. A good broke horse takes years to accomplish. Please for the safety of your daughter and yourself sell it and find something more suitable. Sorry if this hurts your feelings but I have five children who have all learned to ride on old reliables and nothing burns me more then seeing a young child put into a dangerous situation on an untrained horse. Be safe.
 
#7 ·
Let's start with getting her to lead. First, get a knotted halter that fits as she will pay more attention. Carry a dressage whip or a 4' length of thin willow. Hold your hand about 3-4' down the lead away from her jaw. Face straight ahead and start walking. If she doesn't come along, tap her hip with your whip. She may scoot ahead of you and that's ok. Just have her circle you and start again. When you need to turn, turn to the right because in her mind you are dominating her. If you turn to the left, she is dominating you. Work on this for a few days and pop a treat in her mouth for something well done. Rather than attempt to lunge her take her for long walks - it's good for both of you.
 
#8 ·
Afraid I must agree with most above & respectfully say in all honesty, to sell/give away the pony & find one that's already well trained for your daughter AND find a trainer to work with you, the new pony & your daughter, for a few lessons at least.

Even little ponies can be dangerous, especially to a 4yo child, not to mention if none of you have any education about eachother. IMO I would think it far too much of a risk to put my child on a little trained pony - & they're relatively good & experienced dealing with & riding horses. Even if your daughter doesn't end up hurt or broken from the experience, it is not likely to be a great experience for her, so may put her off horses. & at 4yo she will indeed be grown out of this little horse very soon anyway.
 
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