“What types of things did you do to help Presto develop psychologically? Did he have other horses to learn from?”
I have received many variations of this question so I will be showing you many variations of things I did to socialize Presto and Justice while keeping them both safe.
This is a video of the first time they were turned out with another horse. If you saw yesterdays video you will have seen that they were turned out in an area that allowed them to visit with other adult horses over a safe fence. I allowed them to have that type of contact from the time as soon as they came home with me.
I followed the recommendations of Last Chance Corral and waited until the foals were four months old before turning them out with an adult horse. It is also worth noting that this is a 20+ year old, mild mannered gelding that is lame. This choice stacks the odds in favor of the foals staying safe.
While this isn’t the most exciting video, it represents perfectly what I was going for. You can see the foals apprehension in approaching such a big, unknown horse. You can also see that the adult horse was tolerant and allowed some contact without becoming overly interested or bossy.
Maybe the most interesting thing to notice comes near the end of the video. If you watch you will see Presto acting like he wants to nurse on Justice.
Remember that Presto was weaned at 2-3 days while Justice remained with his mom for several weeks. Justice never showed an excessive desire to nurse. Presto showed the desire to nurse. Later on when he was turned out with other horses he did ask that question of a few horses who were rather surprised and somewhat offended.
BUT before we all jump to the conclusion that the early weaning caused this…I also will acknowledge that we have a three year old mare in our barn that we bred and raised. She had a text book perfect life right through weaning. Even though she was much older AND her mother was producing very little milk AND she was very confident…
Despite all of that, the first time she was turned out with my older gelding she ran straight up to him and asked if she could nurse!!!
He said, “NO!”
I think it is important to notice this similar behavior in both the ideal and less than ideal situation.
Why?
Mostly because one of my core life beliefs is that we can overcome most anything we set our minds to.
Presto did have a rough start but I won’t let that define him. I would rather look at how he can be fully everything he was made to be DESPITE the rough start.
I can’t thank Last Chance Corral enough for naming him Press on Regardless!
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I’ve owned Presto now for four years. He has grown so much and I’m finally ready to start sharing his adventures
What questions do you have for me?
#PressonRegardless #Presto #Equithrive
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Riders often encounter self-doubt, fear, anxiety, frustration, and other challenging emotions at the barn. The emotions coursing through your body can add clarity, or can make your cues indistinguishable for your horse.
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