Richard Boatwright We have a weanling (born May 28, 2025), to this point we have been working on halter breaking, grooming, and picking up feet (all still a work in progress haha).

My daughter does 4-H, and we had intended to use this filly as her "in-hand" horse.  The in-hand program has them do three events: Showmanship (basically leading horse around in show halter at the walk and trot, backing, pivoting, and setting up).  Lunge-line (getting horse to walk a full circle, trot a full circle, and lope a full circle, then doing the same in the opposite direction).  Trail Pattern (walking/trotting through different patterns/obstacles like going over logs, a bridge, backing an L pattern, pivoting in a box, side passing over a log, etc etc).

After reading your comment, I am now rethinking this.  I respect your approach of not telling people what to do, but suggesting what you do....that being said, would you strongly advise against using our young filly in this program?

I've wondered the same thing!

Richard Boatwright  I really liked this lesson.  I'm sure for you there may have been an added level of frustration where you are recording.  But for me it was great to see how you work through sticking point when it arises, especially when it is not what you were anticipating for the day.

Richard Boatwright You mention lungeing your horse before getting on them if needed. What setup do you like to use and why?

I've seen/used normal halter with a line, war halter with a line, and now the setups you use in the ES 20 series like neck rope with bridal over it (not through the snaffle) or through the snaffle and tied to the pommel. Do you use any of those or someone different.... And does it matter?

Richard Boatwright we had our first foray last night.... Not sure how effective it was, but as you said, I just went for it and quit making excuses for not implementing. Thanks for putting this all together, and being so active in responding to all my questions.

Stephen Gowling haha, yeah we have six horses none of which are 'mine' the kids keep claiming them all.

Richard BoatwrightStephen Gowling  Thank you guys for your input, coincides with my own thought process on the matter.  We have been trying to spend 10-15 minutes a day with mom and baby, with handling baby about five minutes a day.  Rubbing her, playing with her legs and feet, handling her around her ears, etc.  I intend to continue with this till weaning....which I guess leads to my next question.

Upon weaning, what are you looking to do with them from that time til you start them a year and change later?  Richard Boatwright do you have any videos showing this (or have reference to any other good resources?

Richard Boatwright I currently do not have a round pen (working on remedying that), can I effectively do this in an arena? Or do I need the walls of the pen to keep them focused in?

Nice Brenn Hill reference 😀