This message is from: "Sue Harrison" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >But of course it's important to have the horses in a large field so >the brat can escape when the 'schooling' starts
That is the problem. Too small a paddock and the older gelding is known for kicking horses out through the fence. When I went out last night to feed, he was out...had decided that there was no current in the fence (due to frozen ground and snow) and simply ran through 2 strands of wire. Thank goodness he was pastured alone and did not go on the road! When there "is" current in the fence and he wants out, he will corner another horse, cut it out almost like a cutting horse works cows, swing in and vicously kick it right through the fence. We have Storm, the Arab and the old mare in a seperate small paddock. They are fine alone but if Sundance (older gelding) is in with them he attempts to kick my adorable little Fjord "brat" right into the page wire. Storm could get badly injured! I can't see any way to allow them together due to the limited amount of space. Storm does not have a mean bone in his body around us. He has never kicked or showed any signs of meanness. I guess I am lucky there. I have saddled him and rubbed plastic bags, bags of shavings and finally as I mentioned in another note, a tarp was pulled over him and me last night. He is totally ok with whatever I do. Sure hope he as is easy to handle when I attempt to line drive him next summer. I have never done this before but we will blunder through someway I am sure.(: Thanks everyone for your advice. Oh yes, since I am new to harnessing, which is better... collar or breast plate? I would think that the collar would make a mess of his mane? My husband has driven ponies before and he wants to use a collar but I want a breastplate. Storm was harness broken a bit by the guy we bought him from, when he was a year old so he does know what a harness is already. >Our stalls open directly into their paddock. I used to wait to clean >out when they were busy with their hay. Now I go out when they are >bored and they watch! Thanks for the idea....I can do this. I always leave the wheelbarrow in front of the door leading to the paddock so it will be a cinch to let Storm "help" and help he will or I miss my guess. He is very well mannered in his box stall. I can move him anywhere. He readily backs up, and gets over. Other than him being busy busy busy...(terrbile two's I wonder?) he is very very lovable and kind....constantly begging for attention. He did try to nip before he was gelded but except for horse rumps he appears to have given up that habit. I am just going to play it by ear and if I have problems when it comes breaking time I will be sure to take everyones advice. (I am copying and pasting all your much needed advice in my files) Thanks again for all your help, Sue in N.B. (Desert Storm's mom)
