Linda Snow operates a Colt Resort Program at Westwind Ranch near Cochrane, Alberta. During the half-hour session at the Mane Event she worked with a yearling gelding nicknamed Wilson. "Wilson is actually a very reactive horse," Linda told the audience. "But because we worked with him in his natural language first, and then taught him ours, he now understands what we want of him."
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Linda Snow at her Foal Handling 101 Clinic at The Mane Event Red Deer.
Photo: Heather Grovert
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The young gelding was obviously nervous in the crowded environment, but constantly focused on Linda. She handled him first with a halter and lead rope, and then allowed him to be totally free in the round pen. In both cases Linda was able to have the horse pivot, circle her, and follow her every move. When Wilson became tense — such as when the audience applauded — he quickly settled with Linda's presence and cues.
"The introduction to the halter and leading is one of the most essential parts of training a horse. If you frighten a horse during these procedures it can be very difficult to 'untraumatize' him," Linda said."The first hand on a horse, the first tie-up, the first ride in the trailer; these things can affect him for life."
Linda offered several suggestions of what to NOT do with your young horse.
1) Don't work with an untouched horse in too large of an area. A 25-foot round pen is ideal, a stall is often too small and a full-sized round pen will be too large.
2) Don't rush at your horse and be in a hurry; that can make you appear to be a predator.
3) When you get to the point where you can touch and scratch your young horse, don't ever attempt to snatch and grab at him. This will cause fear.