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How do I stop a foal from trying to play with people?

4K views 13 replies 5 participants last post by  thatgirlcaitlin 
#1 ·
So, Paddy is to the point where she wants to play with people. She'll trot up and then kick out or rear up and try to play with a person like they're a horse. Well, everything I've read and everything I've ever been taught when working with a foal is to smack them on the butt and they'll get the hint. Well, I've tried that and she'll stop for that day. I think the people who own her mom are letting her get away with it though I have no proof. I've seen them interact with mom and with Paddy and they never seem very comfortable. The other day, Paddy reared up in front of the guy and he just stood up and walked away. Is there a way I can make her stop and teach them how to control her from doing that?
Any advice would be great!
 
#5 ·
I've tried to tell them not to let her do it. They're new to horses and seem to be uncomfortable even around her mother. Her mother is probably the BEST beginner horse I've ever met. Is there a way I can nicely tell them not to mess with her or how to nicely tell them they need to show her they're in charge? She's on their property until she's weaned so I can't watch her every minute of the day to see how they are interacting with her.
 
#6 ·
Of course, you can be nice about it! Why wouldn't you?

If the gunsels HAVE to go into your horse's paddock, then you need to teach them exactly what to do when baby comes up to play. Get that clear in your mind, & then give them easy, specific directions.

For example, you might want them to carry & twirl a rope at her every time she approaches them, but calmly, without undue predatoriness!

She doesn't need to bond with them, but only with you, so that might be a viable solution.
 
#8 ·
I'll add that "no undue predatoriness" means not chasing her away, but just backing her off one's personal bubble of 3-4 feet. Tell them that chasing is what a predator does, & will cause the horse to mistrust humans/be stressed around them.

If the people do that consistently, she'll give up approaching them, with no trauma.
 
#11 ·
First of all, congrats on your foal, she is so cute!
I would be very careful in your situation. It is my understanding that this foal was a gift to you, correct? You did not pay for her? If so, I would not be telling the mare's owners (your benefactors) what they can and can not do with the foal, unless they are putting baby in danger.
It won't be long until the foal is weaned and you move her to another barn where you will have absolute say. She will still be a baby, not wrecked yet,lol.
I would focus mainly on ensuring the filly is respectful of You when you are with her. I would try to use the utmost respect when dealing with the other owners, especially if your contract is just verbal. Because with just a promise, I would assume that until the filly is weaned and in your hands, she is still theirs.
 
#12 ·
I do have a contract stating the baby is mine. I made sure to have a contract in hand so that things don't go bad. They have a young granddaughter who likes the foal and I didn't want to do all the training and have them back out because she wants it. So, I do have a contract stating she's mine and that I am in charge of all things done with her. So technically, she is mine. I don't think she'll be "ruined" I just don't want everything I'm doing with her to go backwards because of some people who have no idea what they're doing with her, if you catch my drift?
 
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