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Recently, I had the opportunity to go holiday shopping for myself, and I ended up finding a couple of incredible horses that are perfect additions to my young horse program. These horses, named Lambo and the unnamed one, are pepto boone small colts bred from a mix of cow horse and ranch horse bloodlines. I strongly believe in the importance of raising a horse with the right breeding, training, care, disposition, and soundness. These qualities make all the difference in offering people high-quality horses.
The horses were raised by my friend Wendy Waltz, who owns a farm called Idlewild Farms near Green Bay. Being a Packers fan, the fact that these horses came from a farm near my favorite football team only adds to their appeal. Lambo, as I’ve mentioned, has already been named, but we are still looking for a name for the other colt. I would love it if you could leave your suggestions in the comments below.
Before we jump into the training process, I want to take a moment to introduce you to Drinking Post Waters. In my opinion, they offer the best water options for horses on the market. These watering systems do not require electricity and provide fresh, ground-temperature water to horses year-round. Not only does it eliminate the need for stagnant water in troughs and the hassle of running electricity, but it also ensures that horses have access to clean water at all times. If you’re interested in checking out Drinking Post Waters, I’ll leave a link in the description below, and you can use the promo code RYANROSE to save some money.
Now, let’s delve into the training process with these young horses. The first thing I want to highlight is how they were raised. Wendy did an excellent job raising them with their mothers, a stallion, and a herd in a spacious field. This allowed them to grow up, run around, and interact with other horses. What stood out to me in her approach was how she separated the foals from their mothers. Instead of abruptly taking them away, she created a long fence line, with the mares on one side and the foals on the other. This gradual separation process helps avoid strong herd-bound instincts that can be detrimental to a horse’s development.
Another aspect that impressed me about Wendy’s approach is her gentle, effective handling of the young horses. She ensured that they were not spoiled by excessive handling but still taught them to be halter-friendly, not afraid of people, and responsive to cues. These horses already had a good head start, making my job a little easier.
With these young horses, my primary focus is to build a strong foundation for them. I want them to be easy to catch, responsive to cues, comfortable with handling their feet, and familiar with different environments. This initial period of training is all about building rapport, creating positive experiences, and tapping into their natural curiosity.
I start by working on halter exercises that involve them following a feel. This challenges their instincts and teaches them to respond to pressure in a controlled manner. I also focus on facing them and backing away to reduce any pressure they may feel and ensure they become comfortable with our presence and approach.
Handling their feet is another crucial aspect of their training. I rub their legs to establish trust and then ask them to unload the weight off each foot individually. This helps prepare them for future foot care and ensures they are well-behaved when the farrier comes.
Additionally, I introduce them to different objects and obstacles in the training arena. Rather than forcing them to complete tasks, I let them explore and investigate at their own pace. This encourages their natural curiosity and allows them to become acquainted with their environment.
Throughout the training process, it is essential to strike a balance. While I want to expose them to new experiences, I also want to avoid over-handling or pushing them too hard. These young horses need time to be horses, socialize with other horses, and enjoy their natural herd instincts.
The training sessions typically last around 10-15 minutes to account for their shorter attention spans. It’s better to have multiple shorter sessions than one long session. Consistency is also crucial. As they grow older, I will gradually increase the training time and introduce more challenging exercises.
Another tool I use during training is a flag or stick. This allows me to extend my reach without getting too close to their feet. Introducing the flag helps them become comfortable with new objects and builds trust in their handler.
At this stage of training, the emphasis is on establishing a strong foundation and creating positive associations. By taking a gentle and patient approach, we can ensure these young horses develop into confident, well-rounded individuals.
I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into the training process with these young horses. If you have any suggestions for a name for the unnamed colt, please leave them in the comments below. And don’t forget to check out our other articles on our website to stay updated on the world of horses. Thank you for reading!