After starting to teach our little Junior model, Kokett, to stand tied, we thought we would give you our little keys so that you too can teach your foal or young horse to stand tied.
First of all, before "tackling" the subject, it is important for us that the foal is well handled, already very used to humans, so that this experience is just the cherry on the cake of the very complete learning of what: "being a well-raised foal" can mean.
Before anything else, you will need to teach the foal to yield to the pressure applied to the halter in hand, whether it is towards down, left, right, move forward or backward. Is that understood? Then we can gently start approaching the tie with less risk of the foal wanting to pull back.
But where to position yourself?
We recommend that you position yourself in a calm place, at a time when the stable is peaceful (often in the morning or evening for us), on a non-slip floor and preferably in a place where you can tie in two points, which for us is the safest way to act if a problem arises.
Have you found it? That's perfect!
What equipment to use?
First, a thick halter on the nape, to ensure that it does not injure the still very fragile and delicate neck of your young horse. You can also choose a halter specially designed for horses that may pull back, equipped with a buckle at the adjustment point of the headpiece, which yields in case of a horse that pulls back. Ethological or very thin halters should be completely banned.
At each loop of the halter (those next to the Noseband), we then attach either an Equi-ping or a loop of baling twine, which we separate into two to make it easier to break if your foal gets agitated.
In terms of long lines, there are two opposing camps, some preferring more elastic lines, others preferring fixed lines.
We personally use fixed lines with panic snap hooks (these will allow you to quickly detach your horse in case of agitation).
It is also essential that the tie points on the walls or tie posts are strong and well secured.
And now, shall we get started?
To maximize our chances, we take advantage of a moment when our foal has been able to stretch its legs in the paddock, in the paddock or in the round pen of Havrincourt, to enjoy a calmer attitude and more concentration.
We can then start moving our young horse in the tie area and reinforce the codes learned during groundwork such as: move forward, back up, stop and hold the stop In calm, yield to pressure.
You feel your foal very agitated and very anxious, don't panic, continue your exercises while waiting for calm and reward a lot when you get a response to your requests. If calm does not come, ask for something easy for him and praise. Why not stop there and start again the next day, and the day after, until you achieve calm and relaxation.
On the contrary, your young horse seems relaxed, focused, and responds to your requests. Position him correctly in the grooming area and gently attach your lead ropes to your Equi-ping loop or your double rope. For my part, I always prefer to pass the lead used to hold my horse over the neck so that I can quickly catch my foal if he breaks the ropes.
Here he is now tied for the first time in his life. I generally position myself facing him to the right, to avoid being kicked by the front legs if he is impatient or rears up.
Calm him with a soft and steady voice to overcome his worries when he tests the length of the ropes by moving forward or backward.
Now try to make him stand still for a few seconds, by praising him when he stops. Is that the case? Gently unclip the ropes and warmly congratulate him.
If your foal remains calm, why not repeat the exercise once more, without letting it last too long.
Warmly congratulate and leave it there for today, repeat the exercise regularly until you achieve calm and relaxation while tied. You will soon be ready for long hours of cuddling and care for your little protégé!
Our little tip: We take advantage of Hostine, Kokett's very wise pasture mate, as a reference. Positioned in the adjacent grooming area, she reassures our little student with her presence. So if you also have a very gentle horse tied and used to the commotion of the younger ones, do not hesitate to position it nearby. It is often said that horses are very sensitive to mimicry.
Hoping you enjoyed this article ❤️
