After having started teaching our little Junior model, Kokett , to hold on to the tether, we said to ourselves that we would give you our little keys so that you too can teach your foal or young horse to hold on to the tether. attached e.
First of all, before "tackle" the subject, it is important for us that the foal is well handled , already very human , so that this experience is nothing more than the icing on the cake of the very complete learning of what “being a well-bred foal” can mean.
First of all, you will need to teach the foal to yield to the pressure exerted on the halter in hand , whether downwards , left , right , forward or backward . Is it acquired? We can then gently begin to approach the tether with less risk of the foal wanting to shoot at the fox.
But where to go?
We advise you to place yourself in a quiet place , a time when the stable is peaceful (often in the morning or evening for us), on a non-slippery floor and preferably in a place where you can attach at two points , which for us is the safest way to act if a problem arises.
You found it ? It's perfect !
What equipment to use?
First of all, a thick halter on the back of the neck , to ensure that it does not hurt the still very fragile and delicate neck of your young horse. You can also choose a halter specially designed for horses that can pull , equipped with a buckle where the headpiece is adjusted, which gives way in the event of a horse that pulls. Ethological or very fine halters should be completely banned.
To each loop of the halter (those next to the Trough), we then attach either an Equi-ping or a loop of bale string, which we separate in two to make it more easily breakable if your foal is 'waves.
In terms of lanyards, two clans oppose each other, some preferring rather elastic lanyards, others rather fixed lanyards.
For our part, we rather use fixed lanyards with anti-panic carabiners (these will allow you to quickly untie your horse in the event of agitation).
It is also essential that the attachment points to the walls or attachment posts are strong and well fixed.
And now, let's get started?
In order to put all the chances on our side, we are taking advantage of a moment when our foal has been able to stretch his legs in the meadow , in the paddock or in the Havrincourt circle, in order to be able to enjoy a more relaxed attitude . calm and more concentration .
We can then come and move our young horse around the home area and put back in place the codes learned during the work on foot such as: move forward , move back , stop and hold the stop in calm, give in to the 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 that, until you achieve calm and relaxation.
On the contrary, your young horse seems relaxed, focused and responds to your requests. Then position it correctly in the dressing room and gently attach your attachment lanyards to your Equi-ping loop or your split string. For my part, I always prefer to use the lead rope used to hold my horse in hand, which I pass above the neck in order to be able to quickly catch my foal if it breaks the strings.
Here he is now tied up for the first time in his life. I generally position myself facing him to the right, in order to avoid blows from the front if he is impatient or rears up.
Reassure him, in a soft and calm voice, to overcome his worries when he tests the length of the lanyards by moving forward or backward.
Now try to make it stop for a few seconds , praising it when it stops . It's the case ? Gently unhook the loins and congratulate him warmly.
If your foal remains calm, why not repeat the exercise again, without letting the exercise last too long.
Congratulate warmly and leave it there for today, repeat the exercise regularly until you achieve calm and relaxation in the attachment. You are soon ready for long hours of cocooning and caring for your little one!
Our little tip: For our part, we take advantage of Hostine, Kokett's friend from the field, who is very good at the attachment, as a referent. Positioned in the adjoining grooming area, she reassures our little student with her presence. If you also have a very nice horse tied up and accustomed to the commotion of the youngest, do not hesitate to position him not far away. It is often said that horses are very sensitive to mimicry.
Hope you liked this article ❤️
