I see that a lot of people with yearlings are not actually sure what to do with them. They usually settle for some practice in haltering and helping them find their feet and then let them be until they reach 2 to 3 years old.
To me, that could be a sheer waste of time.
You need to use the time awfully constructively in ingraining correct basics into the pony. Obviously, you cannot go too far, as the yearling will not have reached any sort of physical or psychological maturity. This suggests he will be able to neither have the strength or staying power nor the attention span to learn or do anything well. Just work on him so he gets the smaller stuff straight. Work the halter on him, get him to bend his neck and flex it, make him learn how to yield if there's pressure on the lead rope. Give him frequent rubs both in his stall and outside to get him used to human touch and handling.
Take the opportunity to introduce your pony to gear that he is going to be wearing later . Whether in the stall, the round pen or some smaller open area, let him get used to the saddle pad and blanket. Rub them delicately all over him, the head, the neck, the back and the hindquarters. Get him used to frequent handling of his feet so that he's going to learn not to fidget while getting shoed or trimmed. Tutor him about ground ties. See how he does with the lead rope under his neck and hanging loose to the ground. Step back a bit and if the he moves take him back a bit. Ground tie once again. Repeat till he stands totally still, showing that he's recognizing the significance of the rope leading down.
Get your yearlings to do a bit of trailer loading. Get him to walk and jump across obstacles of small manageable sizes.
I usually use poles and tarps for this purpose, and I am make heavy use of a makeshift wooden bridge of approximately 6 feet for my yearlings to walk over.
I also tutor my yearlings on wading thru water, especially at times of rain. I teach them to lunge. I use a lot of initiative in training them so they are totally prepared for anything that may arise in their later years. You'll find the time you put in now when your pony is still a yearling is going to pay off in spades later on.
To me, that could be a sheer waste of time.
You need to use the time awfully constructively in ingraining correct basics into the pony. Obviously, you cannot go too far, as the yearling will not have reached any sort of physical or psychological maturity. This suggests he will be able to neither have the strength or staying power nor the attention span to learn or do anything well. Just work on him so he gets the smaller stuff straight. Work the halter on him, get him to bend his neck and flex it, make him learn how to yield if there's pressure on the lead rope. Give him frequent rubs both in his stall and outside to get him used to human touch and handling.
Take the opportunity to introduce your pony to gear that he is going to be wearing later . Whether in the stall, the round pen or some smaller open area, let him get used to the saddle pad and blanket. Rub them delicately all over him, the head, the neck, the back and the hindquarters. Get him used to frequent handling of his feet so that he's going to learn not to fidget while getting shoed or trimmed. Tutor him about ground ties. See how he does with the lead rope under his neck and hanging loose to the ground. Step back a bit and if the he moves take him back a bit. Ground tie once again. Repeat till he stands totally still, showing that he's recognizing the significance of the rope leading down.
Get your yearlings to do a bit of trailer loading. Get him to walk and jump across obstacles of small manageable sizes.
I usually use poles and tarps for this purpose, and I am make heavy use of a makeshift wooden bridge of approximately 6 feet for my yearlings to walk over.
I also tutor my yearlings on wading thru water, especially at times of rain. I teach them to lunge. I use a lot of initiative in training them so they are totally prepared for anything that may arise in their later years. You'll find the time you put in now when your pony is still a yearling is going to pay off in spades later on.
About the Author:
Horses are Heather Toms
passion and she enjoys sharing her extensive knowledge through her 100s of
articles with other horse lovers click here
passion and she enjoys sharing her extensive knowledge through her 100s of
articles with other horse lovers click here
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