Ive got a 4 yr old i guess who isnt halter broke

Question
My 4 yr old im guessing by looking at teeth. Shes a loveable horse will walk up to ya in the field or walk up to see you but thats as far as t goes. shes not sure enough to actually let you touch her a whole lot ive worked in a round pen with her and it didnt seem to matter with her. She wants people to be around just not sure of them ive done what i know to gain her trust and ive only gained a little. Id like to halter break her but i have never done a older horse before i was wondering if its different from a young horse?

Answer
Hi Kristyn,

Sounds like you are off to a good start with your new horse. As far as age being an issue, there isn't alot of difference, basics are basics. You mentioned you have a round pen, will she work at liberty, walk, trot, canter, each way and stop off "whoa" and your body language. If you've got that mastered, I'd start with de-sensitizing her. You can use a long "training" stick or a long lunge whip with plastic baggie attached. After a good work session, when she's a bit tired and looking to stop, start by introducing the stick and bag to her and saying whoa. The goal is to get it as close to her as possible, without her moving, then pull the stick back. The reward is the retreat and that's where they learn. Start with her shoulders and don't be surprised if she strikes or takes off, move her forward a few more times around and start again. In the begining, start with doing only a few minutes of this, it might take you days to even get it within 5 feet of her, or she may not care and  you may be able to touch her with it on day one. You want to be able to rub her entire body with it, using it as an extension of your hand. It is not to be used to chase or punish her, but to "pet" or scratch her with it. Once you have her comfortable with that, move in close bag in hand, the reason you still stay with the baggie, is that she's now associated it with resting and rubbing, so you want to slowly transfer that to yourself. Gradually you'll be able to substitute your hand for the bag. Then I do the same thing with a good heavy, soft, cotton rope, rub her everywhere. By this point, she should eagerly accept a halter. Again, remember to keep the sessions short and that her "punishment" when she evades or is agressive to the bag, is to have to work, her reward is to stand and be "petted" by it. You want to make doing the right thing, standing still easy and doing the wrong thing, moving, hard (by having to work).

Best Wishes,

Jen