getting new horse in from field?

[carolinebobs]

Any suggestions for getting a new horse in from the field? Our gorgeous boy has been with us 2 1/2 wks and settled well at the livery yard, but has started to back away when approached to put on head collar. We overcame this with treats at first, but he and his field mate got really frisky last night and cantered around the field. This morning was quite simply scary as they seemed to be charging us away.
I know we need to be confident and reassuring for him and am certainly not blaming him, but wishing I could be more clear and positive for him. We're dead keen to build a relationship that will mean he wants to come out of the field with us and more in the future!
My daughter and I are horse sharing btw. She's great with horses at the school she's worked at since 10 and is now doing equine studies at college. I rode as a child and have dropped in and out a little ever since (around having children), but nothing of any significance. Horse ownership has been a long held dream of mine and I was delighted when my daughters embraced the idea (even more passionately than me if that's possible!) but of course, owning our own is such a different story... poor boy!
Our 'yard neighbours' have been fabulous and DD has weekly lessons from an instructor other yard folk use as well as also from his previous owners trainer. We just don't want to be a nuisance constantly asking everyone advice so I hope you don't mind me posting the question to see if anyone else has any ideas?

[alonerawnut]

You can use a technique similar to join-up to encourage the horse to come to you: other people might be able to explain it on here better than I can. Kelly has book that explains it all for 5.99, which I think has pictures / illustrations too:

www.intelligenthorsemanshipshop.co.uk/collections/books-by-kelly-marks/products/catching-horses-made-easy-by-kelly-marks

[carolinebobs]

Thanks, alonerawnut. Can't believe I didn't think of those little books - I have been busily working my way through Perfect Manners and Perfect Confidence since he arrived (and I realised how much of a step backwards my confidence took!). That looks great - will order it right away.

[happysnail]

It's a great little book. Very helpful. Good luck.

[portiabuzz]

good luck am sure you will be confident in eachother in no time x

[carolinebobs]

Just as a little update, we are getting our cheeky fella in from the field now- thx for support and encouragement.

We decided to adopt a consistent approach until it's boring and routine for him, so DD is doing it every time and keeping it very simple. Carrot through the noseband at first (haha) and another after the collar fitted. Now progressed to carrot before and after without head & hand gymnastics :-)

We also cut back on rides out as he seemed much calmer after a couple of days rest, so hopefully we've hit a sweet combination that he's happy with. He even ran over to the gate to us this evening, but his field mate was out riding so can't take too much credit!

It's good to know you're there, board members, and the book suggestion was a great way of tbringing together all the random bits of information relating to the subject and absorbing them thoroughly.

Thanks.

[happysnail]

Glad you're settling into a routine together

[portiabuzz]

That's great well done you

Sent from my GT-I8160