First official day of training!!! (pics)

[cypressfarms]

Below is a 2005 gray Arabian colt that I have. Been waiting to start his halter and general ground training. Last two weeks he's been in the stall getting used to me handling him. I didn't get to imprint him at birth, so I thought I would have a handful with a yearling stud colt.

Today was already good because I had the day off, but decided to make it official and start him. Put halter on , rump roap, and lead line. Came out of the barn/stall with fire. After about 5 to 10 minutes of him recognizing who was the boss he surprised me. Put him in the round pen and he's a natural. First day and he already has walk, wo, and trotting down. Went back out in the evening to try again and he did even better. It's amazing how horses can surprise you. His full sister is now showing in open shows, but I never thought he might have "it". We'll see.

 

[Alan]

Nice colt! I can only imagine how fun a butt rope must have been on a yearling! As big as I am it's a handful for me on a weanling. I hope he goes well for you but he may take a couple of steps backwards in a few days when he gets a little more use to the routine. But he must be smart to pick up whoa, and calm down enough to walk... sign of a good horse.


Wish I had your grass, or grass like your growth! We haven't hit 70 degrees yet this year and growth is slow, may have to go back to haying cows again

Alan

 

[Alan]

What type of Arab is he?

 

[cypressfarms]

What type of Arab is he?

He's about 80% Egyptian, 20% Spanish. Dahman strain. I've spent tons of time researching his pedigree. I've traced his tail line all the back to the war mare Zulima (1900). I own his dam, a full sister of his, and one other brood mare. I've always liked larger Arabs, but with smaller ears, longer neck, basically a "showier" type.

Worked him this morning. He's very sensitive to pressure with the lead. I normally just repeat two or three things when starting a foal out, but he's already responding to "back" with slight downward pressure on the lead. So far the only trouble I have is getting him to come to me to start.He's still too shy for my liking. Once I have the lead on, he does great. After flipping a few times yesterday, he already knows that pulling against pressure wont work.