New Section D Colt

[sazjayp]

Hi there,

I have just had a 6 month old section D colt arrive and am planning to begin some work with him - however one of the things that concerns me is that he seems to be very sensitive around his poll area...perhaps his previous handler 'pulled' him to get him to lead properly - who knows?! I want to give him the best possible start and certainly don't want to be pulling him around - what would be the best piece of equipment to use - is a Dually suitable at such a young age? I have experience with young horses but this is my first time using IH methods with such a youngster.

Thanks in advance for any guideance!

[Jane]

Hi, I'm sure somebody more knowledgeable than me will answer your question soon! I don't have experience with youngsters, but do know that the dually won't be giving poll pressure, so you needn't worry on that score. I'm not sure what sizes they come in though. That might be your only concern, as there's quite a weight to them with all the brass. Try ringing the IH office, as they're really helpful.

If he's worried about his poll at such a young age, I'd be inclined to ask somebody to check him out - I do Equine Touch so would go that way, but other bodywork approaches are also helpful - as a session will reveal whether there's a physical problem or not and hopefully address it if there is. It will also help to 'set him up' for the rest of his growth period, by balancing his body, just in case he has had an accident or gone over when being led or something.

Otherwise - and I'm sure you've thought of this anyway - plenty of desensitisation work around the poll, so that he learns nothing horrible is going to happen.

[horsey123]

i when i bpought jimmy well given him he was also very head shy and dident like his poll ears or forlock goin neer this is becouse(in my case) if they come from a dealer or breader they tend to pik the young colts up by there tial and forlock and the bit mane neer there poll so they think you are going to do the same thing

this is what i did with jimmy you started going into his stable with a soft boddy brush and just grooming away from his poll areas the every night just going further up his kneck so he get your trust and knows your knot going to do what his handeler

personally i wouldent use a dually at such a young age becouse of bones that havent been matured yet the youngest i like to use the daully is about 2 ish

[Roz]

Equine Cranio Sacral work is especially good for sorting out any poll issues. Have had my boy done and it was very beneficial.

[Rimrock]

have you tried to use a foal rope, have a look in from my hands to yours. used on all my foals so far and the results are superb. If not pm me and i will send you a pic. I made a rope especially, but a long piece of 10mm diameter rope will do. you get shown this on the foal handling course with Ian Vandenberg (we're not worthy)

[Rimrock]

sorry i should have said that they learn "pressure and release" from this. The foals tend to accept it really well. you can try it in the stable. Hope this helps
Craig

[Vicky&Beenie]

i cant see why a dually cant be used on a youngster