First Horse, would love some tips!

kickspots · 10-20-2009, 12:35 PM

I would recommend watching some of the natural horsemanship videos from pat parelli or clinton anderson on catching horses. Their methods are amazing and in my experience have worked 100% of the time.

Goodluck!

Lopinslow · 10-20-2009, 12:37 PM

Clinton Anderson I think would be okay for the OP....

don't even get me STARTED on Parelli.......

John · 10-20-2009, 12:41 PM

Don't train with treats. They cause many more problems than they fix. Be firm and demand starts,stops turns and backs. Teach him to stand while you walk up and down both sides but if you step back from him at any point him he is to turn and face you again. As the question of who is running the show comes up you must be the good leader that he is looking for or he will take over that job for himself.

Moostang · 10-20-2009, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lopinslow

Clinton Anderson I think would be okay for the OP....

don't even get me STARTED on Parelli.......

Parelli's Natural Horse-Man-Ship: Six Keys to a Natural Horse-Human Relationship is a good book, its the basics, makes you think about horses act, but not full of all his gimmicks. I think the only thing he pushes in that book is the carrot stick, which I think all the NH trainer try. I settled for a dressage whip which does have its disadvantages, but I am cheap

GotaDunQH · 10-20-2009, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John

Don't train with treats. They cause many more problems than they fix. Be firm and demand starts,stops turns and backs. Teach him to stand while you walk up and down both sides but if you step back from him at any point him he is to turn and face you again. As the question of who is running the show comes up you must be the good leader that he is looking for or he will take over that job for himself.

^ agree with this. It comes down to respect and that the owner/handler is the "alpha" of the herd and not just the person dispensing treats and food. You give any horse treats and food and they will s*uck up to you, but that does not mean they see you as the leader and respect you. And establishing the leadership role....also comes with doling out the discipline when needed and reward for a job done right.

Someone mentioned some of the NH guys...like Anderson and Parelli (shudder). To the OP, don't get wrapped up in only one way, gurus with things to sell etc. KEEP an open mind on everything that is out there at your disposal. To me....that is someone who has "been there-done that", has proven successes with their horses and how well broke they are etc. Sometimes that could be ANOTHER neighbor around the corner. Wild as it may sound...but owners of tack stores and feed stores know fellow horsepeople in your area and could recommend a "mentor".

Jennifer

Angie_Dandy_06 · 10-20-2009, 02:04 PM

Horses generally weigh at or over 1000lbs and can kill someone in a blink of an eye if they so chose. They can even seriously injure of kill someone without meaning to!

I think this is something every person should think of with every horse not just a two year old. About like a stallion, I was bought up to believe all stallions were mean, not the case at all, I have a 3 year old standing out here & he is not as moody as my 20 year old mare & easy to get along with.... A mare in heat can be nasty!
It's also like saying theres nothing like owning a gelding, we all have our own thoughts on everything but I don't think we should go as far as to discourage a new owner from owning her 2 year old instead we should help her!

ParkedOut · 10-20-2009, 02:06 PM

I am also against a dragging lead... that can be a serious issue.

As far as bonding with your new baby(congrats, BTW!!

) I suggest this book: "Right From The Start" I can't remember who wrote it, but search it at amazon... its AMAZING. PM me if you can't find it at amazon and I'll go dig it up.

Its wonderful that you are seeking help to expand your 'horse sense'. No one knows it all(even if they say they do!

)...so basically if you don't feel good about a piece of advice, simply ignore that one and go on to the next. You're bound to get some that you like sooner or later. We all LOVE giving advise and are all super opinionated! LOL

BTW, welcome to the forum!

kaleebreann · 10-20-2009, 02:27 PM

I agree with kickspots. Watching trainers really helps you get a good visual. They have a lot of groundwork exercises that could really help with bonding. which also prepares them for success under saddle. You have to have your horse under control before you think of riding, its safer. A good thing would be to buy dvd's or their books on groundwork, desensitizing etc. Chris Cox, and Clinton Anderson are really good. i know that clinton has videos online that you can watch, and he sends dvds to your house once you join the no worries club. Thats what i recommend. ground work, ground work, and some more ground work. You have to be his leader, and then he can put all of his trust with you. You can't be hesitant, inconsistent, or scared. Get him to stand quietly, load in a trailer, stand for a farrier, and so on. Flex him from the ground, and get control of his feet. Be able to yield his hindquarters and so on. Having your first horse is exciting. I know everyone is concerned... but if you stick with it and learn learn learn i think you'll do great. And like they said get help from a trainer. But don't get discouraged, just keep with it. My first horse was abused and wasn't very well trained. For the longest time it was having to correct everything and start from the beginning. So even though i was a green rider when it came to training, with a trainer to help me i learned so much. The bond we have now is incredible, and he's such a doll. Just don't go too fast and rush anything. You want to do things right when they are first learning, so you don't have to correct it later. good luck

Livingthedream · 10-20-2009, 04:28 PM

Wow, thank you all so, so much.... I'm going to take all the advice that is given to me... I trust you have all had your up's and downs and will take your words with me when I'm out there with him. I appreciate your encouragement. Please keep the posts coming, I feel comfortable enough asking my little green questions - so stay tuned!

caity and billy · 10-20-2009, 07:37 PM

The most vital tip i can give you is...when it gets frustrating and confusing...STOP!!

Go back to something simple so you finish on a good note, then put him back. No use working together when your just gonna cause more confusion and frustration.

There are times when you will wonder why the H*** you got yourself into it, but when u go back and start fresh it all works out...there is no rush to get things right. even if it takes a month for him to learn how to giv or yeild...it'll b worth it.

Good luck and its all fantastic advice!!

P.S...get that dragging lead off too!!

not that u needed anyone else to tell you

10-20-2009, 12:37 PM	#22
Lopinslow Senior Member+ Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: MN Posts: 2,256 Images: 51	Clinton Anderson I think would be okay for the OP.... don't even get me STARTED on Parelli....... __________________ Quality AQHA Western Pleasure Horses The Naughty Version, Goallthewaymay & Unzipped n Naughty

10-20-2009, 02:04 PM	#26
Angie_Dandy_06 Full Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Seymour,Mo. Posts: 97 Images: 260	Horses generally weigh at or over 1000lbs and can kill someone in a blink of an eye if they so chose. They can even seriously injure of kill someone without meaning to! I think this is something every person should think of with every horse not just a two year old. About like a stallion, I was bought up to believe all stallions were mean, not the case at all, I have a 3 year old standing out here & he is not as moody as my 20 year old mare & easy to get along with.... A mare in heat can be nasty! It's also like saying theres nothing like owning a gelding, we all have our own thoughts on everything but I don't think we should go as far as to discourage a new owner from owning her 2 year old instead we should help her! __________________ *~Angelias' Appaloosas~*

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Doing laundry in the field would love your tips!!!	buck1173	Tack & Equipment	21	04-12-2009 07:20 AM
new horse...need some tips :)	kaitlyndzn	Horse Training	3	01-26-2009 06:09 AM
Tips for looking at a horse...	Buckshot	Horse Chat	7	05-10-2008 03:39 PM
I've got love love love! 3 Years and Goin Strong!	lilrider	Off Topic	9	03-05-2008 08:39 PM
I NEED TIPS TO HELP MY SISTER!!JUST BEGINER WALK TROT TIPS!!!!!!!	clashkid47	Horse Chat	8	08-17-2004 07:03 PM

10-20-2009, 12:35 PM	#21
kickspots Full Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 219	I would recommend watching some of the natural horsemanship videos from pat parelli or clinton anderson on catching horses. Their methods are amazing and in my experience have worked 100% of the time. Goodluck!

10-20-2009, 12:41 PM	#23
John Senior Member+ Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: B.C. Canada Posts: 3,747 Images: 60	Don't train with treats. They cause many more problems than they fix. Be firm and demand starts,stops turns and backs. Teach him to stand while you walk up and down both sides but if you step back from him at any point him he is to turn and face you again. As the question of who is running the show comes up you must be the good leader that he is looking for or he will take over that job for himself.

10-20-2009, 02:27 PM	#28
kaleebreann Full Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Washington Posts: 103 Images: 29	I agree with kickspots. Watching trainers really helps you get a good visual. They have a lot of groundwork exercises that could really help with bonding. which also prepares them for success under saddle. You have to have your horse under control before you think of riding, its safer. A good thing would be to buy dvd's or their books on groundwork, desensitizing etc. Chris Cox, and Clinton Anderson are really good. i know that clinton has videos online that you can watch, and he sends dvds to your house once you join the no worries club. Thats what i recommend. ground work, ground work, and some more ground work. You have to be his leader, and then he can put all of his trust with you. You can't be hesitant, inconsistent, or scared. Get him to stand quietly, load in a trailer, stand for a farrier, and so on. Flex him from the ground, and get control of his feet. Be able to yield his hindquarters and so on. Having your first horse is exciting. I know everyone is concerned... but if you stick with it and learn learn learn i think you'll do great. And like they said get help from a trainer. But don't get discouraged, just keep with it. My first horse was abused and wasn't very well trained. For the longest time it was having to correct everything and start from the beginning. So even though i was a green rider when it came to training, with a trainer to help me i learned so much. The bond we have now is incredible, and he's such a doll. Just don't go too fast and rush anything. You want to do things right when they are first learning, so you don't have to correct it later. good luck

10-20-2009, 04:28 PM	#29
Livingthedream Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 18	Wow, thank you all so, so much.... I'm going to take all the advice that is given to me... I trust you have all had your up's and downs and will take your words with me when I'm out there with him. I appreciate your encouragement. Please keep the posts coming, I feel comfortable enough asking my little green questions - so stay tuned!

10-20-2009, 07:37 PM	#30
caity and billy Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: VIC, Australia Posts: 319 Images: 11	The most vital tip i can give you is...when it gets frustrating and confusing...STOP!! Go back to something simple so you finish on a good note, then put him back. No use working together when your just gonna cause more confusion and frustration. There are times when you will wonder why the H*** you got yourself into it, but when u go back and start fresh it all works out...there is no rush to get things right. even if it takes a month for him to learn how to giv or yeild...it'll b worth it. Good luck and its all fantastic advice!! P.S...get that dragging lead off too!! not that u needed anyone else to tell you