Baby Behavior

[Pam M]

Got a question...My filly is now 7 months old. She'll tie (though she'll only stand quietly for 5-10 minutes), cross-tie for very short periods, give her feet, load in the trailer, lead quietly, back on command and she's quit kicking and almost quit biting. Are we pretty much where we should be for her age? If not, what are we missing? She's still pretty obnoxious and aggressive but weaning has been a huge help in her attitude. Since she's been away from mama she's been a much better girl and has been learning a lot faster.

[motorgypsy]

It sounds like she's doing very well. We haven't even put a halter on our 19 month old filly yet. She's gotten a lot sweeter since we put her in with SloughP who just shoves her pushy butt out of the way when she gets too disrespectful. She can be handled but she's just a bit standoffish.

Our 18 month old colt has always led well, gives to presure, gives us his feet and is a real sweetheart except he's afraid of his blanket and is mad at me still for putting it on him but he shivers badly in the cold rain and won't stay under the shelter. So too bad - he'll have to get used to it!

Arwen was great as a foal but got a bit full of herself when she turned three. But she's pretty much back to her nice sweet self again.

We do try to handle them as much as we can, teach them to yield to pressure, to respect us, and to learn that treats are earned, not given just because they deserve them.

[CarolU]

Sounds to me like you are doing great with her! Always have to remember that they're still growing up..very immature, but I think they are a lot like humans and learn easier when they are younger. Things I tought Rosie her first year were to do front end and rear end yields (driving), lead easily, including turning both ways, and back away from me, get on a pedestal, come when called, and to be touched everywhere.

You can also introduce them to everything they'll be exposed to later on...sacks, tarps, lawn mowers, dogs, cars...taken for walks, etc.

The things to remember are that they'll eat just about anything, so don't leave things around they can get hurt with. Also, their bones and joints are forming, so no gaiting or work on hard ground, tight turns, circle work, etc. Even tieing, make sure you tie short so they can't hurt their necks.

And you can start some obstacles..besides the pedestal, they can do water crossings, bridges, poles, back throughs...LOTS of fun things!

And of COURSE>>>>>>we need PICTURES!

[CarolU]

oh yes...and don't forget, they are babies...lots of curiosity. You can use it to get all kinds of things done and learned, but just take it one baby step at a time. If you can keep it interesting for them you'll do better. They do get bored easily.

HAVE FUN!!!

[Boyd R]

Pluma is right where you are with yours. We have never had a biting problem with her though. And this is a beg problem I have seen in other youngsters. As she is being weened she does want to suck and lick hands and arms now.

[CarolU]

I think you have a good point there Boyd. Some foals are more mouthy then others. What you might do is give her things to 'play' with...you may end up with a "Dusty the Retriving Horse" there!

When we raise and train bird dogs, we want their mouths to stay soft, so we don't ever get mad at them for having something in their mouth, just substitute what they shouldn't have for what they can have. With a horse you want to establish that people aren't for chewing, tasting, etc., but you might try to use some of that mouthy behavior to train with - hold things in their mouth, rub their gums and (taking your time) teach them to let you hold their tongue, examine their mouth, etc...all will come in handy later on.

In order not to get mad at my babies, I let them run into a nail if they are very bity...if they are pushy, let them run into an elbow. They need to learn that your body isn't soft and rubbable...just your hands are.

[Moniece Dickerson]

Ok guys this is good stuff,i'm printing it to give me a list/guide line of what to teach and when since my soon to be foal is right around the corner.Can we please go into a step by step how to teach _______guide?Thanks!Moniece

[CarolU]

Moniece, if you don't have it yet, buy an Imprinting video. That is the most critical thing you can do with them at first, and very important that you do it right.

[motorgypsy]

Good point Carol because you don't want a horse who thinks they are a human. We bought one and they are a real pain. You want a horse that accepts you as the herd leader and guide and protector and comfortor but not "mom". Imprinting insures that the foal accepts handling and recognizes you as dominant but not something to run away from. They learn to trust that you won't hurt them but they also know you have greater power than they do and they must respect you and they remember this as adults. But don't make the mistake of turning them into a puppy. Junior partner, yes, lapdog, no.

[Pam M]

Lucky you Boyd! Maggie was a biter and a kicker from birth. And yes, she was imprinted but she was still just a mean baby. I can't tell you how many teeny hoofprint bruises my poor legs have suffered! We weaned her at 5 1/2 months and she immediately stopped kicking when we separated her from her mother.
Moniece, we really don't spend much time with her - just 10-20 minutes a couple times a week. She tends to pick things up quickly and remember them - I guess because she was so young when we started. She's not afraid of very much now. Picks on a 16 hh QH all the time!