Here’s a Ryan Rose video, about 20 minutes, on him working with a 2 year old Gypsy vanner that has learned to pull back and rear. It might be helpful for the OP.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdSSRul9pFI
I like Rose’s work that I’ve seen, and I’d be interested in what others who have had to work with rearing youngsters think about this video.
Excellent update, OP! I’m glad you’ve found a way to make some good progress.
Sounds like she was behaving pretty much like the foal in the first video posted - once they get the idea that there is a release from pressure that just involves compliance to go where the human is directing, no need for theatrics or over reactions. Excellent update and sounds like you’re on the right track!
Good for you. Don’t be surprised if she regresses in the future but just keep on as you are doing and it will be short lived. She is smart and she will quickly learn that her tantrums will not get her out of doing what is asked.
I never believed it was a medical issue. Lack of training shows itself in many ways depending on the individual horse. Young horses included.
I’m fully expecting some regression, but that’s okay as long as we can also continue to make small forward progress as well. Right now, my main goal is to just stop the flopping over backwards. We’ll continue working on boundaries and stuff, and if it seems that we’re not making as much progress as we need to, I’ve already connected with another trainer who specializes in difficult horses without manhandling them and I’m fully prepared to send her off-site. My current trainer comes onto our property and works with a bunch of horses and she’s well equipped to deal with lots of problems and training holes, but if she feels this filly is better off at a more specialized trainer… it’ll happen.
Letting her step on the rope and relieve her own pressure ( as well as being unable to go over) will make a lasting impression. I would continue that until she just calmly stands when she steps on her own rope.
We’re almost to that stage, I think. By the end of “school” yesterday, she was stepping on the rope and then moving her foot to remove the pressure, but won’t move too far off that. In contrast, my brilliant little two year old Appy will step on her own rope and absolutely freeze. She’ll give me that wide eyed Appy look like, “you can help me ANYTIME”.
Good update. I think along the way, she never learned to give to pressure. She had better learn fast and it sounds like she is learning. Good idea to have her work it through herself. I have had a couple that I neglected to get it as good as (response to pressure) it could be. We worked through it but it took a lot of time. Much better earlier than later.
Susan
Thanks, all. You all are super helpful in providing extra insights and perspectives and I really think we’re on the right track now with this filly - she’s definitely shown a new willingness to work now that she has a better understanding of what we actually want. It was our mistake for thinking she knew more than she did and I can understand why she thought flopping over might be an acceptable “I don’t know WTF you want” answer.
PS - she is a red headed mare. 
SO glad to hear this and thanks for the detailed update! Best to you and your smart girl!!
What a great update! So glad it seems to be smart horse behavioural and not something physical.
I am so happy that you and your yearling are on the same page. She shoulds like a lot of fun and she is going to be a lovely partner for you… just gotta keep that mind working 
And good for you to come to the Mind Hive that is Coth and seek help! You saved your yearling and yourself!
Good Luck with her and you should have started your OP with I have a chestnut filly LOL
She’s actually my husband’s horse; I’m just taking over some of the ground work for now to help him out. I patted him on the arm and said “good luck with her” once we figured out how smart she is. haha.
The joy of keeping a smart one’s brain occupied doing good. I’m sure you’ll both do fine, you seem to have a handle on her now.
I think we’ve worked past the worst of her nasty habit. Letting her step on her own lead line was probably the best idea I’ve had in a long time. It worked to the point that, while I was working with her feet, I watched her head go up and she looked like she was thinking about maybe having a problem. I gave a quick tug on her lead line to remind her I was there and she seemed to just change her mind and opt to stand relatively quietly instead. I immediately gave her foot back for a moment, gave her some praise and continued with that foot.
She hasn’t gone over since June 17 and while I hesitate to say the habit is broken, things are looking pretty positive.
She’s also on her way to spend a month or two at a trainers to learn some extensive ground work, which should help cement in her brain how to be a good baby horse. Her best friend is going for some saddle training at another trainer, so we figured this was a great time to send her to school too.
Good job!
Congratulations on the journey to turning your filly into a solid citizen! This forum has so many valuable contributors, with such a breadth of experience. You did well to stick with the thread, even when it probably felt a little critical. That makes you a good horseman, to accept information, evaluate, take responsibility and adjust your techniques. Good Luck!!
Oh, that’s a great update! I admit I haven’t followed everything, but am so glad you seem to be on a good track.
Star pattern 
.
There’s a saying I heard the other day, and it rings true when it comes to horses.
“As long as you’re green, you’re growing. When you’re not green, you’re rotten.”
I’m confident enough to know that I know a lot of things, but humble enough to know there’s a lot more I don’t know. That’s why forums like this are so valuable… everyone has a different perspective and experience level to offer.
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
