Ask The Trainer

I got a PMU filly last fall at who was 4 months old at the time. It took about 2 months to gain her trust and for her to let me approach and groom her. She now leads nicely, stands while tied, let's me groom her all over and spray her mane and tail, work with her feet and legs. Wondering if we are "on track" with where she should be for her age and what else we can work on. She is also very afraid of water-both from the hose and puddles, any tips for overcoming this?

It sounds to me like you are doing a wonderful job. With the water from the hose just introduce it slowly. Let her see the hose first, then with just a trickle. Increase the water pressure little more each day. When introducing new things give them all the time they need to look at, smell or nibble on the scary object. Only remove the object from them when the get distracted and look somewhere else. They have then satisfied themselves that the object was not a threat. You may have to repeat this several times but it is time well spent.

Will Clinging 2004 (c)

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