how to start my 3 yo

Question
hi I have just bought a 16 hh 3 yo who is totally untouched and has never been stabled. When i brought her home she settled really well the first 2 days. on the 3rd day she has started to half rear when ever she is left in the stable i understand that she is probably distressed at being stabled for the 1st time in her life but want to nip this bad habit in the bud!! also she has never been halter broke i have started by just leading her very quitely up and down and she is responding well, but does not respect my space and wants to have some part of her touching me again i think that this is a comfort problem, but need to reenforce my space as this could become a problem as she is standing at 16 hands now.

Answer
Hi Maria

Firstly, I would suggest sectioning off a small area of field in front of the stable so she can come in and out of the stable as she feels.  This will help with the anxiety at being stabled.  

As for her respecting your personal space, I would suggest the Parelli Natural Horsemanship games, this will teach her to be aware of her body, and to only come into your space when she is invited.  

A controller headcollar or a Dually halter will help with the leading and also will prevent her from trying to intimidate you with her size.  As she is 16hh now, I don't think she will grow much more, but she will fill out her frame, and put weight on.

If you find she is kicking the door, then cut a bunch of prickly plants (like a few branches from a rose bush, but not with big thorns) and hang them behind her door where she kicks, after she has prickled herself a few times, she'll learn not to do it.

I hope you and your new girl have a long happy time together, and remember that what you do with her now will lay the foundations for the rest of her life.

I hope this helps, good luck with her, and if there is anything else I can hep you with, please don't hesitate to ask me.

Emma xx