How to safley introduce young kids to mini

[StellaLenoir]

Our new girl has been doing pretty good. She is 2 years old and just a little spoiled when we got her. She does have a very slight nipping problem.

But otherwise she is very gentle and sociable. She comes when called and is almost always by my side. The nipping was "cute" when she was a baby and PO did not correct her. I have searched and got some great advice on how to correct her now. I think she was given lots of treats out of hands maybe.

Her place to nip is almost always on our fore arm. She has not bit me, but when I see her lips going I try my best boss mare NO!! What do you think that location might mean?

She does not nip that often, and she just got here on last Sat, and is alone, (only for anouther week or so till we can get a truck and trailer and get her a pal) So I think some of the behaviors are due to the change and her finding her place in a new home. She has a great attitude and is very sweet most of the time. Her most difficult time is first thing in the AM, cause she was along all night I think. But even that is getting better every day.

I have 3 girls ages 8 2 and 1. The eight year old does pretty good with the horse. No real problems just learning how to lead, and take care of her.

The 2 year old of course has no idea what to do. She just loves her baby horsey

: She did get bit once on her fore arm and I have been only letting her pet her when I am holding her. I read Martys old post about the vacume!! So funny!!

I tried telling her to yell NO in a loud mean voice, but all she said was "Horsey dont bite me again Ok?"

I want all my girls to have a positve relationship with Silver. What are some things I can do to make sure Silver sees them as above her in the pecking order?

We have not done so well at lunging, she just walks to me instead of in a circle so something else maybe that will let her know we are the bosses.

 

[Little Wee Horse Farm]

IMHO, two years old is too young for a child to try to dominate a horse, dog or anything else. And your horse is a baby too. uh-uh. Won't work as a one on one thing.

The child needs to be old enough to radiate a superior attitude, just like you do (hopefully). I don't mean that you need to be mean to your horse, you just need to be boss, as you know.

I think the horse bites your forearm because it can. Your arm is most likely easy to reach. I don't think there's any other significance to it.

As far as biting -- here's a trick that an old neighbor taught me long ago. If the horse bites you, back it into a corner IMMEDIATELY, put your thumbs in its mouth and rest them on the horse's bars (bottom jaw where there are no teeth and the bit would normally go if it were a riding horse) and press down REAL HARD for about 30 seconds. OH THEY HATE THAT!!! and I've used it myself.

Have only had maybe one or two biters in 25 years of horses. Only had to use this method one time per horse. It really surprises them & they do hate it. Honestly, it was like magic.

Other suggestion is to carry with you a yellow plastic "ReaLemon" that you can buy at the grocery that has lemon juice in it. Watch your horse out of the corner of your eye. Watch for it to "think" about biting. If you watch her close enough, you'll learn that look. Ok -- first comes the look, then the head starts to move towards you, then you SQUIRT with lemon juice. They hate that too. Sometimes takes repeating, but does work if done right.

And you're right --- People often think biting by a little baby is "cute." No way! Also treats from hands is a big no-no here. Ever.

So, there's my ideas........hope something works for you. Again, I think your younger kids are just plain too young for a horse to put any stock in.

 

[StellaLenoir]

Just to clarify I would NEVER let my kids be alone with the horse!!! I am not looking for my 2 year old to do anything other than love the horse and be able to help brush, pet, feed and clean up after. When she is much older I want the love and interest to be there. I think the responsibility is so important and I want my girls to learn it and respect it.

But I also dont want the horse to take advantage of their small size and innocence.

Thanks for the lemon idea, and the mouth thing, we dont have many corners but I will try it. :aktion033:

 

[Little Wee Horse Farm]

I have no way of knowing what you know --- or don't know...........just wanted to make sure your little girls are safe -- but, of course, you're way ahead of me. It sounds like you're doing just the right thing -- but I don't have any ideas for you on those lines...........best of luck & I hope you are soon a big happy family of horses & humans. :bgrin

 

[susanne]

Whether she nips or not, you need to teach her to respect your space. Lack of respect can take many forms, including nipping, hehad-butting, crowding, etc. You need to create a bubble that she does not enter unless invited.

This is what our trainer showed us that worked beautifully.

Standing facing your horse, have her back away from you. You may need to use the end of your lead rope to encourage her, but reward her profusely for even one step back.

Next, back her, then whoa her at a specific spot. She needs to back until you say whoa, but then she must stop immediately AND stand without moving. You should be able to move about without her moving.

Take several steps back and ask her to come to you. Reward her when she obeys.

Now, after she has taken several steps, whoa her exactly where you want her. Repeat until she knows not to come into your bubble unless you ask her to.

Maintaining this bubble is essential for safety even with tiny horses. You're correct never to allow your little girls around your mare without supervision, but little toes can get stepped on if your horse crowds in, even in all innocence.

I'm sure others can explain this better, but thihs worked well for us.

Good luck, and enjoy your mini!

 

[StellaLenoir]

thanks for all the ideas.

Should we start right in with the training , or wait till she settles in more? Also she does not like the halter, what is a good way to get her used to it?

I dont think much was done with her in regards to training for her first 2 years. She behaved great when she was at her pasture with the other horses. We will be getting a 2nd but have to wait a few (2) weeks. I hope that will make a difference. I just cannot tolerate nipping or bitting.

She did great yesterday, but today she seems in a bad mood, and jumpy. There is thunder off in the distance so maybe that has something to do with it.