4 year old wont let me touch her at all

Question
I just bought a four year old and she is shy or skittish. She was with three other horses and was last in the pecking order. I think she was pushed around a lot. She also had never been handled. She is not halter trained, and of course never been ridden. Besides all this I have been able to get her to eat out of my hand, and she has nudged me a couple times. I spend time talking to her and just sitting with her. However when ever I reach toward her she moves to the side or away. We've only had her a few days and I suspect It'll talk awhile to warm up to me. I just want to know what steps I should take to help her along. She is a Pinto. She is a nice horse eith a quiet attitude and seems smart.

Thnk you
Sam

Answer
Hi Sam!

My first priority with horses and humans is safety.  This is a practically full grown mare and she can hurt you....either intentionally or not.  If you get too familiar with her too quick, she could lash out with a bite or a kick.  This is normal.  Horses communicate with each other that way.  They cannot say "Pardon me, you are too close and I do not know you at all.  Please move back."  But, they can communicate that feeling through a bite or a kick.

First, I would always have a barrier between yourself and the mare.  Do not go into the pasture with her or worse, her stall.  This is too intrusive to her space.  While you are speninding time with her, ignore her.  Yes, ignore her.  Specifically following her and trying to touch her is a dominating and aggressive gesture to her.  Standing close to her but, not really acknowledging her is your best bet.  Curiosity will get the better of her, she will smell a treat and she will sidle over on her time schedule, when she feels comfortable.

I advise you speak to your vet, farrier or tack shop and ask them to recommend a local trainer who has experience in babies.  Have the trainer out to evaluate your situation and to discuss the goals you have with your mare.  Hire them to give you some basic training in ground handling and how to overall keep her.

Spending the time and money now to grow her into a trusting riding partner will give you 20 more years of a wonderful working relationship  :)

Good luck and remember to always wear an ASTM/SEI approved helmet!

Solange