2 yo

Question
I have a almost 3 tb mare. When i first got her she had a problem with the halter being put on. When the noseband would first pass her nostrils she would have a change of heart about the whole thing and would put her head up. I am short and wasnt about to fight about it, so i would bring the halter back down and when she would lower her head and calm a bit i would try again. If she did it again then i would just hold it above waist level and she would get the idea. I tell her "you know you dont go anywhere without this on" as a joke, so she'll chew a bit and stick her head into the halter. For a little while the problem went away but now its back. She has started to do it more and more. The other day when i was bringing her in (they are in at night turned out in the morning) She did this, so i would just do as i did before, try to put it on twice, if she raised her head the 2nd time i would just hold it out to her. She didnt respond so i turned my back to her, walked a step, turned around and offered the halter to her. This time she got the idea and stuck her head in the halter. I have never hit her, never "twitched" her ears, anything like that, the halter doesnt pinch her ears when i pull it over either.
But another thing i noticed is that sometimes when she is in her stall just looking around, eating hay whatever, and i move to pet her head or get some dirt off of her face in between the ear and eye, she will thow her head up like she does with the halter. I dont move my hand at all when she does this, and she'll bring her head back down and i can rub her or whatever i need to do and she's fine with it. If i am rubbing her neck and move up to her face or over her poll and down across her face, she is fine with it too. My hand isnt in her blind spot on any of these approaches. Which makes me think she may have vision troubles. Could it be this or could she just be head shy?

Answer
Hi Casey!

Of course if you have any questions about her eyes, you should have the vet out to give her a once over.  If she is cleared with no problems...I would put it all down to a case of the typical young horse.  It's half a "game" and half a fear/distrust.

I believe in having a "handle" on a horse all the time. Purchase a good quality leather halter that correctly fits but, has room to grow.  A nylon halter will also work but, it must have a leather break-away side piece or crown. Put it on her and leave it there 24/7/365.

As for working with her head...time, patience and consistent training will prevail.  She is a baby and really wants a Boss Mare to make the decisions and she follows.  This is how every herd works.  You need to become the Boss Mare.  

You must be calm, nonchalant and firm.  I like to use a favorite special treat she will only get during training times.  Start out with daily, short sessions that always have an achievable goal for you both to reach.  A baby this young must never be touched unless the human has a plan and a goal...it is ALWAYS training time.  That is how they learn their boundaries and how to communicate.

You already know where her level of comfort is, so just expand it from there.  Think fast, move slow and be firm.  She must do as you ask and with yummy treat as a reward, she will catch on quickly.

Yes, I know some people hate food rewards.  But, there is no problem if you phase out the treat through intermittent reinforcement.  Plus, think about it.  You must be quick and clever to convince her to allow you to touch her anywhere, anytime for any reason.  What is the alternative?  Force??  That never works.

She will tell you what she likes if you pay close attention and remember, keep it short.  Babies have the attention span of any kind of toddler and them getting cranky or antsy teaches them nothing but that you are a pain to be around.  SO keep it focused, brief and productive always ending on a good note with lots of calm praise and happy rubbing.

You have told me allot about her and her head issues so it is obvious you pay attention and will notice what she likes and allows and that will help you both to move forward in a positive manner.

Establishing a relationship of trust and good working skills together will transfer to all aspects of her breaking to saddle.  Making it enjoyable for both of you :-)

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

Solange