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Pat, Horses are born with the instinct to run from everything. It is their only defense in this world and you have to get across that "instinct" by gaining their trust. They also have a high level of curiosity and they always want to please after they finally realize that you won't hurt 'em. On a newborn, I start working with ‘em on the third day, so you are just a natural part of their world and they accept you from the get-go. Work with the horse enough and he’ll want you to halter him up. He’ll expect it as part of his routine. Use lots and lots of patience, continually talking to and stroking the pony WITHOUT any fast, sudden movements. I start at the head and work back; can usually have them leading and lifting their feet the first day. Remember, you have to work both sides of the horse because their brain is split. What he learns on his right side will be totally new to him on his left side and he’ll have to go thru the whole learning process again on that side. Never “chase” a horse ‘cause you’re just playing his game. Use a small round pen. I work 'em twice a day for about an hour or an hour and a half at a time. Two things: Are you gonna cut that stud? I’d be for getting it done BEFORE his training and the sooner the better. Also, don’t leave that halter on him continually. Put it on and take it off repeatedly. Plus, you don’t want to come out some morning and find him hanging dead on a fence post; that is a real stomach turner to see. :>( Allan
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