Trailer loading and leading training a colt?

Question

i have a 4 month old colt and he is very chill and calm today i tried to put a halter on he was amazing the only problem was the halter was to small so i was wondering if you guys could give me some tips on ways to teach him to trialer load so i can take him with on trail rides and such in a few months or so and how i could lead train a colt

Answer 1

umm... I have a large chapter book just on how to do that. Either it's hard or the author is crazy.

Answer 2

In addition to R&S great answer, now is the time to be teaching ground manners, leading and tying. If you do not know the proper way to set-up a foal to learn to tie, ask a professional. Never tie a baby from a halter on the head, when they pull they can injure their necks. What benefits are you trying to achieve by taking a youngster on trail rides that young. I pony yearling's but 4 months is too young,too much can go wrong and its sounds like you and the baby dont have enough experience to be doing that. He cant even lead, and or tie. Do your homework first and get some experienced help and put off ponying till next year.

Answer 3

Take him on trail rides...??? Why???

As far as leading, put the halter on and try to get him to walk with you. If he balks (which he likely will), take the rope (have a LONG rope) and put it around his butt.  When you ask him to walk, put some pressure on the rope around his butt and "pull" him.  So long as he's moving forward, the rope won't create pressure.  If he still wants to stop, try turning him and then go straight.  Turning will force him to move, so try using that momentum to get him going forward.  Of course, the easiest way is that if he's not weaned yet, have someone lead momma while you lead the colt.  That usually gives them the idea.

I still don't know what you're planning on taking a colt trail riding for...but as far as trailering, it's best to use a stock trailer so they have room to move around, and a ramp if possible.  Just lead the mare on first, and he will most likely just follow on.  If not, try the butt-rope thing.  Just don't force too much..you don't want him panicking and flipping over or hurting himself.  DO NOT TIE HIM IN THE TRAILER!!!!!!

Answer 4

I would suggest having baby follow mamma into the stock trailer for the initial trailer training.  If the first few trailer loadings with mamma go well, it is so much better for the rest of his life.  

I think that the trail ride is a great idea, get out there in the woods (no busy roads etc) and have baby follow mamma where ever...it is great education, I know of people that do this from the get go...as soon as baby can move on his own with confidence he is ready for the trail..he will follow momma anywhere. .growing up on the trail, getting used to everything is the best way to start up a youngster for a life time of trail..