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Post by loopylou on Mar 4, 2009 12:24:09 GMT -1
What do you all do with your two year olds?? Question out of interest, i have so many people, saying you should be doing this that and the other and so many saying you shouldn't she is way to young, leave her alone  . My girl, loves learning, doing and seeing new things, so without over facing her or doing to much, i would like to be doing a small amount of things this summer. What would you all suggest?? |
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Post by Anna on Mar 4, 2009 15:16:54 GMT -1
Something or nothing really, it depends on the two year old. Our current rising three fillies had very little done with them apart from showing, they were well-mannered, not getting cocky and just didn't need it. Other two year old fillies have needed something be it a bit of long-lining or just work in the school, like obstacle course type things. Sometimes they are bitted if they are getting strong in hand too and can do more in the schoool in november/december time of the two year old year. It depends on what they need and only you can judge that yourself as you know her. If you feel she's ready for a new challenge, I would start by long-lining her in the school in the summer and doing fun things over poles etc but only in short bursts every so often to keep her ticking but equally if she's just as happy not, then don't  With my now two year old colt who's just realised hormones arrived and "he's the man" (He so isn't), I have started long-lining him last week, initially in the school (whilst we learnt) and now he goes out on the gallops, straight lines, lots of halting, turning, past other ponies etc etc and he's remarkably more civil for it. Thats colts though, i won't tolerate an ill-mannered one that pushes me around as its dangerous for me and for everyone else around and he's really benefitted from the work. He'll probably only do 8 weeks of it but it teaches him to walk his own line, not to walk into people. Its also teaching him valuble lessons in other things such as when's it time to "work" and therefore not time to chunter at girls. Long-lining is so good for them and its not stressy on young joints like lunging etc. |
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Post by harleydales on Mar 4, 2009 19:34:56 GMT -1
Fun, fun, fun. Some in-hand shows, some sacking out and getting them used to things on their backs, rugs etc, playing with trotting poles (see Heather's thread on playing). Learning about leading and what behaviour is acceptable too!!
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Post by PonyGirl on Mar 4, 2009 19:45:08 GMT -1
What is the best line for long lining?
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Post by nyjinski on Mar 4, 2009 20:24:59 GMT -1
I used to take Rocket for walks around the country lanes and to the local quarry so he got used to seeing lorries and tractors and things and he really used to enjoy that. We also did a lot of obstacle courses, learnt to walk over/under tarpaulins, learnt to walk through smoke and past fires, played football with a giant yoga ball, taught him tricks like taking a hanky out of my pocket, kissing on command and he had a lot of kids come over to play with him so now hes ace with children too! He just really enjoyed learning new things and still does now as a rising three year old.
Only you know your pony and what you think he will like doing and if you try something and hes not happy about doing it you will be able to read the signs and stop.
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Post by harleydales on Mar 4, 2009 21:00:11 GMT -1
Anna, I just use 2 lunge lines for long-lining.
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Post by PonyGirl on Mar 4, 2009 21:06:58 GMT -1
thank you
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Post by loopylou on Mar 5, 2009 9:22:31 GMT -1
Thank you everyone for you great feed back. Just nice to hear what other Native pony owners do. I feel i am going a long the right lines and also a few extra ideas from you all also. I did laugh at the comment of teaching them to take a hanky out of your pocket, i know a certain young filly who would do this any how, LOL.  ;D |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 9, 2009 17:58:44 GMT -1
Beau as a rising 3 year old has been everywhere whilest growing inside his mum, as a 3 week old foal he went to ardingly showing, then once weaned he was constantly handled and walked up lane meeting traffic, then showing as a yearling with more walking, as a 2 yr old he then turned into chief escort pony, then at a mature 2 and a bit he was bitted and as i want him to be a driving pony had the full set of harness on + blinkers and long-reined, (and towed behind ATV as i was to lazy to walk) now nearly 3 hes just growing up,
It doesnt hurt to do anything to a youngster, its all mental stimulation
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